Skip to content

THE CURIOUS CASE OF H.P. LOVECRAFT

Written By:

John Townsend
curiouscasehp

BOOK REVIEW: THE CURIOUS CASE OF H.P. LOVECRAFT / AUTHOR: PAUL ROLAND / PUBLISHER: PLEXUS PUBLISHING / RELEASE DATE: OUT NOW

If you’re a fan of horror literature or cinema, the name Howard Phillips Lovecraft is one that has more than likely directly or indirectly influenced a great deal of what you will have read and seen. The membranous reach of a writer vastly unappreciated in his own time has influenced the creative thoughts of the likes of Guillermo del Toro and Stephen King. But what of the mysterious author himself?

Paul Roland’s book is centrally more literary essay than pure biography, but is without doubt a keenly written insight into the life of one of the most recognised names in fiction. Roland has perhaps hinted at the issues possibly encountered with the title of the book itself: The Curious Case of H.P.Lovecraft. Reading this book gives a clear indication that the man behind the mythos was distinctly less interesting a character than the ones who populated his weird and wonderful tales, and it is in this apparent lack of personality that Roland has encountered the main issue. How do you make Lovecraft’s work interesting and engaging to those not yet fans? The answer sadly is that maybe you can’t.

A fan approaching this book will rightly be impressed by the detail Roland has included, the intelligent, informative analysis of many of Lovecraft’s stories, how his life influenced the writing, and how the writing equally influenced the life. But casual readers may struggle with the seriousness of the tone and the occasional lapse into Lovecraftian language. When Lovecraft himself writes in critique of a student’s work, he states the younger man indulges in “monstrous adjectives, malign nouns and unhallowed verbs”, something Lovecraft’s critics, and the author himself, declared his work fell victim to. It is perhaps fitting then that Roland himself constructs sentences at times deeply reminiscent of his subject matter, something possibly more in unintentional homage than for any intellectual reason.

The Curious Case of H.P. Lovecraft is a must read for fans of a man whose name is synonymous with stories of fear and fantasy, or anyone interested to know more about this literary master. It is informative and clear, almost to a point of being reference-like in style, and while it would improve any collection, casual readers may find it slightly unapproachable.
 

SHARE YOUR COMMENTS BELOW OR ON TWITTER @STARBURST_MAG

Find your local STARBURST stockist HERE, or buy direct from us HERE. For our digital edition (available to read on your iOS, Android, Amazon, Windows 8, Samsung and/or Huawei device – all for just £1.99), visit MAGZTER DIGITAL NEWSSTAND.

CLICK TO BUY!

MORE FROM AROUND THE WEB:

John Townsend

You May Also Like...

chinese remake of anaconda drops trailer

ANACONDA Trailer Grants First Look At Remake Of 1997 Horror Flick

Three sequels and a spinoff-crossover film wasn’t enough for the 1997 creature feature Anaconda, which not only has a new movie in development, but is getting a Chinese remake! From
Read More
black widow star scarlett johansson in talks to lead new universal jurassic world film

Scarlett Johansson In Talks To Join JURASSIC WORLD Film

Another MCU star appears to be taking up the reins for Universal’s new Jurassic World movie: two-time Oscar nominee Scarlett Johansson is reportedly in talks to lead the franchise that
Read More

Exclusive Reveal! Titan Comics to Deliver Prehistoric Hysterics in First 2 DUMB DINOS Collection

Titan Comics have exclusively revealed to STARBURST that they’re gearing up to publish the first-ever collection of the hilarious cult digital comic strip 2 Dumb Dinos, and we’re not the
Read More

New Dates For Lovecraftian Key of Dreams

Key of Dreams has announced new spaces for its titular immersive luxury horror event. The critically acclaimed company is known for its overnight experiences that dunk you into a strange
Read More

FAB Café to Host Free Film Screening of New Indie Comedy SECRETS OF A WALLABY BOY

We’re well known for our championing of truly independent filmmakers here at STARBURST, so it’s doubly exciting to be writing about one of our own! After joining the crew in
Read More
colin farrell returns as oswald cobblepot in the penguin series trailer

Colin Farrell Returns In THE PENGUIN Trailer

Colin Farrell returns as Gotham City’s answer to Tony Soprano in the first trailer for Max series The Penguin, which spins out of the world of the 2022 DC film
Read More