Arkham House : $b The first 20 years; 1939-1959

Begin your journey with a behind‑the‑scenes look at a tiny Wisconsin press that grew out of grief and a stubborn love for a writer whose stories had slipped toward obscurity. The narrator recounts a rainy afternoon that sparked the idea of gathering the late author’s tales and letters, only to be rebuffed by every major New York house. Undeterred, two struggling writers pool meager savings, secure a loan, and launch their own imprint, choosing a name drawn from the very mythic town that haunted the writer’s imagination.

In the following twenty years the press becomes a lifeline for strange and supernatural fiction, publishing not only the founder’s favorite author but also a host of emerging voices. Detailed bibliographic notes trace each edition, while vivid anecdotes reveal how small‑town printing, prepaid orders, and sheer determination kept the venture afloat. Listeners will come away with a clear picture of the business’s humble origins, its impact on genre literature, and the enduring dedication that turned a modest venture into a lasting institution.