Book Review: H.P. Lovecraft’s Tales of Horror
Did you ever stop and think what a super creative film director or book author of really twisted ideas is like in person? Do they have an on-off switch that they can push off that allows them to function as a “normal” adult, spouse or parent, capable of mature, and intelligent decisions? Do they have the ability to push it on when they need that wacked out, mind-blowing, freewheeling creativity? Are they capable of having small talk when they are in line at the grocery store or at the annual elementary Christmas drama play? Or does their spouse or personal assistant have to shield them from mundane conversations with others, in the fear that their oddness will be a concern to others?
Howard Phillips Lovecraft has got to be at the top of the list when it comes to this type of person. An American writer of strange science fiction, fantasy and horror, who lived to be only shy of 47 (1890–1937), but his works are synonymous with the Necronomicon (aka The Book of the Dead), a fictional book of black magic, often referenced to this type of literature. Possibly heavily influenced by both parents being in institutionalized for mental illness, Lovecraft’s stories all centered in his belief that humanity on earth was an insignificant force in the universe, and that powerful forces in the universe (but not any type of religious god) control it.
Interested in a sample of a walk on the bizarre side of the horror book street? Try Tales of Horror by Lovecraft. This compilation of six short horror stories was just over 300 pages and was modernly illustrated by John Coulthart. The illustrations were interesting, but not as impactful as those done by Junji Ito in his book Uzumaki. It was the stories that had me go to my local library and take out another collection done by Lovecraft. Lovecraft’s ability to describe a scene and make the reader feel the environment close in on you was remarkable. I especially enjoyed The Dunwich Horror. The dark birth, life and terror of the thing known as Wilbur Whateley was a true page turner that had you pushing hard to finish in one setting. Enjoy it alone and in the dark!
