On this, the 87th anniversary of H.P. Lovecrafts’ death, we would like to present to you an upcoming lesson from our upcoming Miskatonic University site. This lesson forms part of our Acolyte course which is the precursor to our Cultist Course.
H.P. Lovecraft
Howard Phillips Lovecraft was born on August 20th, 1890, in Providence Rhode Island. Despite the personal controversies that shadow his legacy he stands as a towering figure in the realm of supernatural fiction.
Lovecraft’s upbringing was marked by hardship and instability mostly due to his father succumbing to acute psychosis when he was a mere three years old. His father unfortunately died five years later plunging the family into financial uncertainty. The loss of their expansive family home, moving to a duplex when Lovecraft was 14, and a life riddled with financial insecurity were but some of the challenges he faced. From a young age, H.P. Lovecraft battled severe health issues and experienced profound bouts of depression, to the extent of harbouring suicidal thoughts. However, his passion for science and writing served as a beacon of hope, guiding him through his darkest moments.
H.P. Lovecraft’s journey into the world of literature began early, with significant works such as ‘The Alchemist’ and ‘The Beast in the Cave’ penned during his youth. His contribution to literature was monumental, giving birth to Cosmic Horror—a genre that delves into the insignificance of humanity in the face of an incomprehensible universe. Through seminal works like “The Call of Cthulhu” and “At the Mountains of Madness,” Lovecraft explored themes of forbidden knowledge, the fragility of the human psyche, and the cosmic terror that lies beyond the ken of mankind. His creation of the Cthulhu Mythos, a pantheon of ancient deities and cosmic entities, has left an indelible mark on horror and science fiction.
It is impossible to discuss H.P. Lovecraft without acknowledging the darker aspects of his personality, particularly his racist views. Such sentiments, deeply ingrained and reflective of the era’s prevailing attitudes, mar his legacy. It is crucial, however, to recognize the multifaceted nature of individuals and the contexts that shape their beliefs. Dismissing Lovecraft’s work entirely because of his personal failings risks overlooking the profound impact he has had on literature and popular culture. Conversely, idolizing him without a critical examination of his prejudices is equally misguided.
The controversy surrounding Lovecraft’s character and beliefs underscores the complex relationship between an artist’s work and their ideologies. In the case of Lovecraft, his contributions to the literary world have inspired generations of writers, artists, and thinkers, despite the rightful criticisms of his personal views. Within the Temple of the Old Ones, to some Cultists, he is seen almost as a prophetic figure, bringing forth the knowledge of the Old Ones. To others, he is a gifted author whose imagination knew no bounds. Regardless, we all offer our thanks because, without Lovecraft, none of us would be gathered in the Temple.
