The Case of Charles Dexter Ward
Writing in the "New York Times," reviewer William Poster described "Ward" as "a good story in the New England witchcraft tradition, well seasoned with alchemy, vampirism, ancient documents and mummy-stealing". Horror historian Les Daniels called "The Case of Charles Dexter Ward" Lovecraft's "finest novel". E. F. Bleiler noted that the short novel, "despite its being strangely tired and routine, has interesting concepts and good moments". Baird Searles found that "HPL's great knowledge of New England history provides a convincing background" for the story. Douglas Robillard stated Lovecraft's negative assessment of "The Case of Charles Dexter Ward" was "too harsh; this is one of his finest works".