I'd insert The Jagged Orbit between those two, as they do form a thematic trilogy.
Yes, such covers are truly disappointing, especially from Penguin. And yet their choices for the Lovecraft cover art (originally, anyway) was very appropriate, both in setting the tone and in using artists HPL himself admired....
Well, after a slight divagation for other things, I'm back to reading the Poe -- this time some of his critical notices. Very interesting, those -- they both give a great deal of insight into Poe's own aesthetic, show some of his influences, and allow one to see yet another side of a multifaceted writer. They vary in tone from the elegiac to the burlesque, not infrequently have passages of pure spirituality to them, and are both enlightening and entertaining. The ones I read tonight were especially so... the conceit in one of picturing the author of the book physically giving an inscribed copy to the person to whom the book was dedicated, with all its grotesque elements (including the recipient contemplating bolting at several points and finally kicking the author downstairs) is pure farce. And, of course, Poe could be incredibly biting when he chose. I would not want to have been on the receiving end of one of his negative reviews... but they often make for interesting reading....
Reminded me of my troubles with Gardens of the Moon.
