Lovecraft: The Case of Charles Dexter Ward

by H. P. Lovecraft

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“What elicited the notion of insanity at this period were the sounds heard at all hours from Ward’s attic laboratory, in which he kept himself most of the time. There were chanting and repetitions, and thunderous declamations in uncanny rhythms; and although these sounds were always in Ward’s own voice, there was something about the quality of that voice, and in the accents of the formulae it pronounced, which could not but chill the blood of every hearer.” 

Here is another of Lovecraft's masterpieces, which he essentially left to rot until it was published after his death. Until rereading all of his works over again, I was unaware just how little of it had been published during his lifetime. No wonder he considered himself a literary failure. All if his best work was buried in his papers.

Original publication of the story

Lovecraft seems to be his worst critic. He didn't really care for this novella, calling it a “cumbrous, creaking bit of self-conscious antiquarianism”. Meaning that he felt it was much and too old hat. The story had been told before (which it had) and he knew it. This is why it wasn't published until 1941 in issues of Weird Tales and as a whole volume in the Beyond the Wall of Sleep collection in 1943. Lovecraft barely sent it out.

Without giving too many spoilers- a young man becomes obsessed with newly discovered distant relative. The man in question was involved in various occult activities that seemed to prolong his life long beyond when he should have died. The young man’s investigation then leads to magic, madness, and death, with a Twilight Zone twist that you see a mile away.

As stated above, the story essentially had been told before. That doesn't detract, however, from the skill of the author. Lovecraft was unable to detect his own (now fully formed) literary voice. His scientific and investigatory approach to the material is what makes this story stand out, what gives it an edge above others like it. It is simply well written, even if the mystery and end are obvious.

2nd installation of the story in Weird Tales

This story fits snugly into the Cthulhu Mythos with the source of the ancient occultist's knowledge being the dreaded Necronomicon by the mad Arab Abdul Alhazrad. And, as it turns out, a good friend of the investigator looking into the case of Charles Dexter Ward is our old friend Randolph Carter (the author’s literary alter ego) who gives him some sage advice to continue the hunt.

Named for the first time is the Outer God, Yog Sothoth. The All-in-One, he gives knowledge to those who please him, but only the most depraved do. He is described as a series of glowing balls weaving in midair. He is the prime supernatural evil in this tale.

Below are a number of videos and film adaptations on the topic. Enjoy and Caveat Emptor

 For more readings, try books by Rex Hurst. 

The Haunted Palace starring Vincent Price

Libervox Audiobook recording of the story

 For more readings, try books by Rex Hurst.