[LOVECRAFT, H. P. (1890-1937), subject]. Typed Letter Signed in Which Doubleday, Doran and Company Refuse to Publish "The Outsider and Other Stories." New York: December 21, 1938. Small 8vo page on Doubleday, Doran and Company, Inc. stationery. Approximately 8 1/2 x 5 1/2". Addressed: "Dear Mr. Wandrei:". Signed "Yours sincerely, [manuscript] H E Maule. [typed] H. E. Maule". Letter is matted and affixed to mat with two pieces of tape at top. Mat size approximately 11 x 8 1/2". With original mailing envelope on Doubleday, Doran stationery, stamped and canceled. AN AMAZING LETTER, AN ARTIFACT REFLECTING THE DISDAIN THAT MAJOR PUBLISHERS HAD FOR LOVECRAFT, AND THE INDIRECT GENESIS OF ARKHAM HOUSE PUBLISHERS.

"We have given very careful study to THE OUTSIDER AND OTHER STORIES by H. P. Lovecraft, and I am sorry to say, have tome to a negative decision. We just don't see a sale for this collection which would justify our making a publishing offer." It was the refusal of Doubleday, Doran, and other publishers, that prompted Lovecraft's friends, Donald Wandrei and August Derleth to found the legendary horror imprint, Arkham House Publishers, and publish The Outsider themselves (the first book published by Arkham House). This letter seems to prove that hindsight is, indeed, 20/20.

Letter a bit toned, one horizontal crease at center. Fine.