Clark Ashton Smith (January 13, 1893 – August 14, 1961) was an American writer, poet, and artist, known for his contributions to the genre of weird fiction, particularly during the pulp magazine era, alongside contemporaries like H.P. Lovecraft and Robert E. Howard. Smith's work is marked by lush, intricate language and often draws from his richly fantastical world of Averoigne, Zothique, and Hyperborea. His stories blend elements of horror, fantasy, and science fiction and are characterized by their dark atmosphere, exotic landscapes, and unusual concepts. As an influence in the realm of speculative fiction, Smith's intricate prose and imagination have led to a dedicated cult following, even if he never achieved the mainstream recognition of some of his peers during his lifetime.