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Lord of a Visible World: An Autobiography in Letters
H.P. Lovecraft (1890-1937) has achieved renown as the leading author of supernatural fiction in the twentieth century. His novels have been translated into a dozen languages, and his work has inspired many contemporary authors in the fields of horror and science fiction, including Stephen King, Peter Straub, Ramsey Campbell, and Philip K. Dick. In Lord of a Visible World, the editors have amassed and arranged the letters of this prolific writer into the story of his life. The volume traces Lovecraft's upbringing in Providence, Rhode Island, his involvement with the pulp magazine Weird Tales, his short-lived marriage, and his later status as the preeminent man of letters in his field. In addition to conveying the candid details of his life, the volume also traces the evolution of his wide-ranging opinions. Lovecraft shows himself to be deeply engaged in the social, political, and cultural milieu of his time. The editors, two of the leading Lovecraft scholars, have meticulously edited the text, transcribing the letters from manuscript sources and supplying explanatory annotations throughout. Lord of a Visible World is of interest to both the general reader and the scholar, presenting for the first time a well-rounded portrait, in his own words, of a writer whose work has fascinated millions of readers.
503 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 31, 2000
44 people are currently reading
186 people want to read
About the author
H.P. Lovecraft
6,110 books19.2k followersHoward Phillips Lovecraft, of Providence, Rhode Island, was an American author of horror, fantasy and science fiction.
Lovecraft's major inspiration and invention was cosmic horror: life is incomprehensible to human minds and the universe is fundamentally alien. Those who genuinely reason, like his protagonists, gamble with sanity. Lovecraft has developed a cult following for his Cthulhu Mythos, a series of loosely interconnected fictions featuring a pantheon of human-nullifying entities, as well as the Necronomicon, a fictional grimoire of magical rites and forbidden lore. His works were deeply pessimistic and cynical, challenging the values of the Enlightenment, Romanticism and Christianity. Lovecraft's protagonists usually achieve the mirror-opposite of traditional gnosis and mysticism by momentarily glimpsing the horror of ultimate reality.
Although Lovecraft's readership was limited during his life, his reputation has grown over the decades. He is now commonly regarded as one of the most influential horror writers of the 20th Century, exerting widespread and indirect influence, and frequently compared to Edgar Allan Poe.
See also Howard Phillips Lovecraft.
— Wikipedia
Lovecraft's major inspiration and invention was cosmic horror: life is incomprehensible to human minds and the universe is fundamentally alien. Those who genuinely reason, like his protagonists, gamble with sanity. Lovecraft has developed a cult following for his Cthulhu Mythos, a series of loosely interconnected fictions featuring a pantheon of human-nullifying entities, as well as the Necronomicon, a fictional grimoire of magical rites and forbidden lore. His works were deeply pessimistic and cynical, challenging the values of the Enlightenment, Romanticism and Christianity. Lovecraft's protagonists usually achieve the mirror-opposite of traditional gnosis and mysticism by momentarily glimpsing the horror of ultimate reality.
Although Lovecraft's readership was limited during his life, his reputation has grown over the decades. He is now commonly regarded as one of the most influential horror writers of the 20th Century, exerting widespread and indirect influence, and frequently compared to Edgar Allan Poe.
See also Howard Phillips Lovecraft.
— Wikipedia
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
July 25, 2008
Although not a lavish production like Willis Conover's LOVECRAFT AT LAST, this is another essential work in understanding Lovecraft as a person; but it is also essential in capturing him as a writer and a thinker. Joshi's monumental biography will probably never be surpassed, but this book is more approachable, and entertaining.
December 10, 2013
A very interesting look into his personal life, compiled in a chronological form to give the reader an overall view and timeline of the man's existence. There's so many letters from Lovecraft that I've forgotten a great many, but some have really stuck with me. His travels and details of architecture were a little less interesting to me, but I know that scenery and atmosphere was something he held a deep bond with. What's intriguing is to see how a seemingly rigid and distant man formed tight bonds with certain relations and even waxed sentimental over his friends. If you're interested in H.P. Lovecraft and want to see another side beyond his fiction, this is definitely worth reading.
January 20, 2022
After having read by now a multitude of biographies about H.P. Lovecraft, there is nothing more refreshing than reading Lovecraft’s biography in his very own words. We are presented with the rare opportunity to experience every stage of his life in vivid narrations unspoiled by secondary perceptions, and because of it, we understand him better through these intimate correspondences. A Lord of a Visible World is richly insightful and an extremely rewarding read. I am sincerely grateful for the hard work that S.T. Joshi and David E. Schultz dedicated into compiling this neat edition of additional Lovecraftian scholarship. I highly recommend it!
December 18, 2024
Some bits were utterly boring. Some were utterly fascinating.
I'm glad I read this, very glad, even though I don't find Lovecraft as interesting as I once did. There's a lot here to learn about the stories and the creative process, but when he mentions poetry in any way I find him so cringy.
I'm glad I read this, very glad, even though I don't find Lovecraft as interesting as I once did. There's a lot here to learn about the stories and the creative process, but when he mentions poetry in any way I find him so cringy.
December 2, 2020
Lovecraft, boldly designing a world of apathetic alien gods whose intent may or may not produce malevolent results for the human race. Lovecraft, staunch conservative (until the Great Depression) and a pitiless aristocrat. Lovecraft, a racist, xenophobic classicist with an abundant sympathy for Adolf Hitler in his early dictatorial days. Lovecraft, Lord of a Visible World. S.T. Joshi's collected letters from the titular author procure Lovecraft some modicum of respect for some of his more eloquent letters. They also invoke disgust, horror, and contemplation. Such is the persona of Howard Phillips Lovecraft.
The scholars who have written about the life, literary style, and ideas of Lovecraft owe quite a lot to S.T. Joshi, or Joshi owes a lot to himself since he writes most non-fictional work on Lovecraft. Joshi wields an impressive understanding of Lovecraft, and his precision as an academic scholar is something to behold. This book is no exception. Expertly connected into a fine tapestry of Lovecraft's life, Joshi truly made this book feel like an autobiography without it actually being an autobiography. That being said, Joshi does make some disappointing exclusions.
At a sizable length of 350 pages, this book is already pretty long, but I argue that it should have been longer. Lovecraft's marriage and its inevitable disintegration felt glossed over. Only a few letters were wholly dedicated to the subject. Far more letters were devoted to his adventures and spiteful indignations of New York than his own wife. I consider this a shame. I also would have liked to have seen additional letters about specific stories that Lovecraft wrote. It could be that there simply were not many letters that Lovecraft wrote on his works, but, given that Lovecraft was a relentless letter writer, I expected to see more.
I have few other criticisms to lay against this book, outside of the ones that I have just mentioned. It is a finely made book with superb citations, astute inclusions, professional summaries at the beginning of every letter, and fitting use of editing on his letters. Lovecraft scholars will rejoice if they come upon this book, but the common reader of Lovecraft's stories would probably wish for something lighter. In any event, this book accomplishes its scholarly goal, and it is worthy of a hearty recommendation!
The scholars who have written about the life, literary style, and ideas of Lovecraft owe quite a lot to S.T. Joshi, or Joshi owes a lot to himself since he writes most non-fictional work on Lovecraft. Joshi wields an impressive understanding of Lovecraft, and his precision as an academic scholar is something to behold. This book is no exception. Expertly connected into a fine tapestry of Lovecraft's life, Joshi truly made this book feel like an autobiography without it actually being an autobiography. That being said, Joshi does make some disappointing exclusions.
At a sizable length of 350 pages, this book is already pretty long, but I argue that it should have been longer. Lovecraft's marriage and its inevitable disintegration felt glossed over. Only a few letters were wholly dedicated to the subject. Far more letters were devoted to his adventures and spiteful indignations of New York than his own wife. I consider this a shame. I also would have liked to have seen additional letters about specific stories that Lovecraft wrote. It could be that there simply were not many letters that Lovecraft wrote on his works, but, given that Lovecraft was a relentless letter writer, I expected to see more.
I have few other criticisms to lay against this book, outside of the ones that I have just mentioned. It is a finely made book with superb citations, astute inclusions, professional summaries at the beginning of every letter, and fitting use of editing on his letters. Lovecraft scholars will rejoice if they come upon this book, but the common reader of Lovecraft's stories would probably wish for something lighter. In any event, this book accomplishes its scholarly goal, and it is worthy of a hearty recommendation!
August 31, 2020
From the mundane to the cosmic, this is a fascinating selection of letters from H.P. Lovecraft to friends, family, and colleagues from throughout his life, revealing insights and details into his views, feelings, interests, lifestyle and life experiences. It was a pleasure to get to know him better through his own words to those he most cared about.
August 8, 2015
H.P. Lovecraft is one of my favorite authors and it was great to get a glimpse into his head, to understand what motivated him and how he saw the world.
Sometimes it was a bit difficult to understand him though because of the words he uses and the length of the sentences.
Sometimes it was a bit difficult to understand him though because of the words he uses and the length of the sentences.
November 18, 2021
H. P. Lovecraft is, without a doubt, my favorite author. Up to this point, however, I only had a general knowledge of key events throughout his life. While there’s certainly more to learn about who he was, this collection of letters does an outstanding job at pulling back the curtain and giving you a peek into the day-to-day life of Lovecraft. This goes a long way in changing how I’ll view many of his stories on subsequent re-reads. It was fascinating to go over the selected letters here, and really sheds a ton of light on who Lovecraft was as a person, flaws and all, and how that is reflected in his work. If you’re a fan of Lovecraft, this is a must read.
January 1, 2021
An excellent overview of Lovecraft's life through a choice selection of his letters.
July 15, 2022
This book provides not only a fantastic biography of H.P Lovecraft but gives amazing insight into his opinions and creative influences as they evolved throughout his life time
May 5, 2024
This is a collection of extracts from the letters of H.P. Lovecraft, assembled by the editors into a kind of autobiography. While it doesn’t answer some fundamental questions, such as the reason for Lovecraft’s period of seclusion in his teens, the specifics of his marriage and its failure, and the roots of his racism, it does present a surprising picture of the author of the Cthulhu Mythos and other stories.
I was surprised by how colloquial HPL’s style could be, depending on who he was writing to and the subject of a particular letter, especially in accounts of sightseeing with friends in New York City and elsewhere. Slang mingles with 18th century words and spelling. An extended account of shopping for clothing after his wardrobe was stolen is quite funny. From about the age of 30 onward, HPL presents himself as elderly, referring to himself as “Grandpa Theobald” or “the old gentleman,” and his younger friends as “kid” or “child.”
On the serious side, are lengthy explanations of his views on religion, politics, and fiction writing. While there are few details about the failure of HPL’s marriage to Sonia Greene, one letter to a friend presents views about marriage as an institution that must reflect that experience. Especially noteworthy are lengthy accounts of travel to many places in eastern North America, from Florida to the city of Québec. They are detailed and interesting, full of observations on architecture and atmosphere.
According to the Introduction, the texts of the letters come from original manuscripts in archives and private collections, and from transcripts prepared by Arkham House for use in publishing their volume of Selected Letters. A reference is made to possible erroneous transcriptions of individual words; I did notice a few peculiarities that may be ascribed to this. In addition to the informative introduction, there is an extensive bibliography, a list of persons mentioned in the letters, and an index.
This book is a definite must-read for anyone more than slightly interested in H.P. Lovecraft. For me it was an illuminating counterweight to the biography by L. Sprague de Camp, which is to an extent a rather biased critique. Reading some of the letters can be a bit of a slog, due to HPL’s habit of pages-long paragraphs stuffed full of ideas and arguments. It’s not a book to be read quickly, but I found it worthwhile.
I was surprised by how colloquial HPL’s style could be, depending on who he was writing to and the subject of a particular letter, especially in accounts of sightseeing with friends in New York City and elsewhere. Slang mingles with 18th century words and spelling. An extended account of shopping for clothing after his wardrobe was stolen is quite funny. From about the age of 30 onward, HPL presents himself as elderly, referring to himself as “Grandpa Theobald” or “the old gentleman,” and his younger friends as “kid” or “child.”
On the serious side, are lengthy explanations of his views on religion, politics, and fiction writing. While there are few details about the failure of HPL’s marriage to Sonia Greene, one letter to a friend presents views about marriage as an institution that must reflect that experience. Especially noteworthy are lengthy accounts of travel to many places in eastern North America, from Florida to the city of Québec. They are detailed and interesting, full of observations on architecture and atmosphere.
According to the Introduction, the texts of the letters come from original manuscripts in archives and private collections, and from transcripts prepared by Arkham House for use in publishing their volume of Selected Letters. A reference is made to possible erroneous transcriptions of individual words; I did notice a few peculiarities that may be ascribed to this. In addition to the informative introduction, there is an extensive bibliography, a list of persons mentioned in the letters, and an index.
This book is a definite must-read for anyone more than slightly interested in H.P. Lovecraft. For me it was an illuminating counterweight to the biography by L. Sprague de Camp, which is to an extent a rather biased critique. Reading some of the letters can be a bit of a slog, due to HPL’s habit of pages-long paragraphs stuffed full of ideas and arguments. It’s not a book to be read quickly, but I found it worthwhile.
December 24, 2010
Although the exact number will probably never be known, it has been estimated that weird fantasy author H P Lovecraft (1890-1937) may have written at lest 75,000 letters and postcards during his lifetime. Editors S T Joshi and David Schultz arranged a number of these into the story of his life, and it is a fascinating read. In brief, HPL was widely-read and could discuss many subjects, travelled up and down the East Coast investigating antiquarian sites, and held some reprehensible beliefs. It's all here.
April 11, 2012
Finally, after 7 YEARS+ I have completed reading this book!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I love Lovecraft's fiction, but the thousands of letters he wrote (portions of same which were compiled into this "autobiography") were very dry and slow. But that is early 20th century writing for you. And, to be fair, it would have flowed a little better if I didn't average less than 50 pages per year. But I will stick with his fiction and won't be running anytime soon to Lovecraft's archived letters for reading.
February 6, 2012
I have to admit I did not read this start to finish, but skipped around and read portions that interested me. That's because it's a collection of letters and not really a narrative. But I really loved going through the them and will probably continue to pick it up from time to time, even if it means rereading some sections.
March 17, 2008
An excellent biography of one of my favorite authors of all time, created by careful sampling of his voluminous correspondence. Required reading for Lovecraft fans, in my humble opinion.
January 12, 2013
I felt that an impression of Lovecraft through his correspondence was all I needed and did not finish reading the book.
April 23, 2013
Someone needs to turn this into a movie if they haven't done so already. It would probably be an art-house flick, but whatever.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews