The Maker of Gargoyles | Clark Ashton Smith (full audiobook)

This is my complete audiobook narration of The Maker of Gargoyles by Clark Ashton Smith—a haunting tale from his celebrated Averoigne cycle, first published in Weird Tales in August 1932. In the medieval French province of Averoigne, master stone-carver Blaise Reynard has devoted his life to shaping grotesque gargoyles for the great cathedral of Vyônes. His creations are unlike any others—hideous, lifelike, and filled with an uncanny vitality that leaves onlookers both fascinated and disturbed. But great art often demands a terrible price. As Reynard's obsession with perfection deepens, the boundary between inspiration and madness begins to blur. The silent figures adorning the cathedral seem almost too expressive, too alive... and on one storm-ridden night, the impossible appears ready to awaken. The Maker of Gargoyles is one of Clark Ashton Smith's finest Gothic fantasies, blending medieval architecture, religious atmosphere, and supernatural horror into a story that celebrates both the beauty and terror of artistic creation. Rather than relying on sudden shocks, Smith builds an atmosphere of quiet unease, where every carved face seems to watch, and every shadow might conceal movement. Rich with Smith's signature poetic prose, this tale is a masterclass in Gothic horror, weird fiction, and dark fantasy, making it one of the jewels of the Averoigne cycle. With its slow, immersive pacing and richly detailed medieval setting, this narration is both a captivating journey into classic weird fiction and a great audiobook to fall asleep to—if you don't mind dreaming of stone figures that may not remain stone forever. Author: Clark Ashton Smith (1932) First Publication: Weird Tales, August 1932 Cycle: Averoigne Narration/Adaptation: Kristof Fruru (Miniature Mythos) ☕ Support the Channel If you'd like to help me continue producing classic weird fiction, Gothic horror, and long-form audiobook narrations, you can support the channel here: coff.ee/MiniatureMythos Enjoying this return to Averoigne? Like, share, and subscribe for more Clark Ashton Smith, Weird Tales classics, and Gothic horror. Comment below: which setting do you prefer—Smith's haunted Averoigne, the frozen wastes of Hyperborea, or the decadent realms of Zothique?