Born in Pune, India, on June 22, 1958, Sunand Tryambak Joshi entered the world as the third and youngest child of Tryambak Mahadeo Joshi and Padmini (Iyengar) Tryambak Joshi.
Raised in an academic household, with both parents being professors of economics and mathematics, Joshi’s formative years were steeped in intellectual stimulation. It was during his childhood that Joshi’s lifelong passion for literature began to blossom.
Discovery of Lovecraft and Early Writing Endeavors
At the age of thirteen, Joshi stumbled upon the works of H. P. Lovecraft, a discovery that would shape the trajectory of his life. Captivated by Lovecraft’s evocative prose, Joshi immersed himself in the world of weird fiction.
This newfound fascination fueled Joshi’s creative endeavors, leading him to embark on a prolific period of writing, spanning various genres, including mystery, horror, fantasy, and science fiction.
Transition to Literary Criticism
Despite his initial foray into fiction-writing, Joshi’s interests gradually shifted towards becoming a literary critic. At the age of seventeen, he made the pivotal decision to abandon fiction-writing and pursue a career in literary criticism. This marked the beginning of Joshi’s scholarly journey, as he set his sights on unraveling the intricacies of literature.
Academic Pursuits and Lovecraftian Studies
Joshi’s academic pursuits led him to Brown University, where he delved deeper into Lovecraftian studies. Recognizing Brown’s rich holdings in Lovecraft’s manuscripts and papers, Joshi seized the opportunity to explore the nuances of Lovecraft’s work. This period marked the genesis of Joshi’s seminal contributions to Lovecraftian scholarship.
Scholarly Endeavors and Editorial Work of Sunand Tryambak Joshi
As Joshi’s expertise in Lovecraftian studies grew, so did his stature within the literary community. He embarked on ambitious projects, including bibliographic compilations and critical anthologies, cementing his reputation as a leading authority on Lovecraft.
Sunand Tryambak Joshi’s editorial work with Arkham House resulted in corrected editions of Lovecraft’s seminal works, revolutionizing Lovecraftian scholarship.
Expansion into Weird Fiction and Literary Criticism
Beyond Lovecraftian studies, Joshi’s scholarly pursuits extended to other significant writers of weird fiction. Co-founding “Studies in Weird Fiction” and “Necrofile: The Review of Horror Fiction,” Joshi demonstrated his commitment to exploring the broader landscape of speculative literature.
Sunand Tryambak Joshi’s theoretical studies and monographs on writers like Arthur Machen and Lord Dunsany showcased his versatility as a literary critic.
Advocacy for Atheism and Intellectual Inquiry
Joshi’s intellectual curiosity transcended conventional boundaries, leading him to explore diverse topics, including atheism and religious critique. His anthology, “Atheism: A Reader,” and polemical work, “God’s Defenders: What They Believe and Why They Are Wrong,” underscored his commitment to rational discourse and critical inquiry.
Legacy and Continuing Contributions
In recent years, Sunand Tryambak Joshi’s focus has expanded to encompass other writers, notably Ambrose Bierce and George Sterling. Collaborating with scholars like David E. Schultz, Joshi continues to unearth hidden gems of American literature, ensuring their preservation for future generations.
His legacy as a prolific writer, meticulous editor, and influential critic continues to inspire scholars and enthusiasts alike, leaving an indelible mark on the literary landscape.