Today, August 20, is H.P. Lovecraft’s 125th birthday and I realize I know almost nothing about his work.
During my formative years I was in love with Edgar Allen Poe and the idea of the monster within us all as opposed to the monster from the sea.
Growing up in arid Wyoming probably helped my disinterest—I didn’t see my first large body of water until I was around ten years old.
My interest in Lovecraft was first piqued recently when I visited the virtual recreation of Innsmouth in Second Life. Exploring the dank buildings from the iconic tale made me curious. What was the aquatic themed alter for in a deserted house? Who were the monsters coming in from the sea… and where were the people?
Since then I found many authors I admire attribute Lovecraft as their inspiration. I also found out there are many rabid and fervent fans that are devoted to his work with near cultish energy. This really interests me. What is it about Lovecraft that inspires that passion?
To celebrate Lovecraft’s birthday and to fill in the large cultural gap I seem to have regarding him, I’m on a quest to discover the element of fanaticism for myself. I’ll start with his short story, The Shadow Over Innsmouth, that inspired the virtual town I stumbled across and loved.
What are your thoughts on H.P. Lovecraft?
ChatGPT AI