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The Tulpa
THE PRESENCE — He was an old man, burdened by the weight of years and approaching senility, struggling to control the workings of his confused and wandering mind, He had "spells" -- strange dreams and visions which he could not comprehend, but which he knew were generating an evil force. It rose from within, assuming bodily form, shuffling through the shadows, learning of violence, stalking its prey with a special hunger. And then it struck, again and again, never quenching its thirst for blood and terror. It seemed no power on earth could destroy....
240 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1980
166 people want to read
About the author
J.N. Williamson
99 books55 followersGerald Neal Williamson (April 17, 1932 - December 8, 2005) wrote and edited horror stories under the name J. N. Williamson. He also wrote under the name Julian Shock.
Born in Indianapolis, IN he graduated from Shortridge High School. He studied journalism at Butler University. He published his first novel in 1979 and went on to publish more than 40 novels and 150 short stories. In 2003 he received a lifetime achievement award from the Horror Writers of America. He edited the critically acclaimed How to Write Tales of Horror, Fantasy & Science Fiction (1987) which covered the themes of such writing and cited the writings of such writers as Robert Bloch, Lee Prosser, Richard Matheson, Ray Bradbury, H. P. Lovecraft, August Derleth, William F. Nolan, and Stephen King. Many important writers in the genre contributed to the book. Williamson edited the popular anthology series, Masques. Some of his novels include The Ritual (1979), Playmates (1982), Noonspell (1991), The Haunt (1999), among others.
He was also a well known Sherlockian and received his investiture (The Illustrious Client) in the Baker Street Irregulars in 1950.
Source: Wikipedia
Born in Indianapolis, IN he graduated from Shortridge High School. He studied journalism at Butler University. He published his first novel in 1979 and went on to publish more than 40 novels and 150 short stories. In 2003 he received a lifetime achievement award from the Horror Writers of America. He edited the critically acclaimed How to Write Tales of Horror, Fantasy & Science Fiction (1987) which covered the themes of such writing and cited the writings of such writers as Robert Bloch, Lee Prosser, Richard Matheson, Ray Bradbury, H. P. Lovecraft, August Derleth, William F. Nolan, and Stephen King. Many important writers in the genre contributed to the book. Williamson edited the popular anthology series, Masques. Some of his novels include The Ritual (1979), Playmates (1982), Noonspell (1991), The Haunt (1999), among others.
He was also a well known Sherlockian and received his investiture (The Illustrious Client) in the Baker Street Irregulars in 1950.
Source: Wikipedia
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
February 8, 2019
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. Not only did the narrative, particularly early in the novel, bear resemblance to Stephen King but the story itself was interesting and pulled me down that dank, dark place of a horror rabbit hole.
The Tulpa is a creature materialized from the mind. In this case, a large clay-like brute in human form is the product of a dying man who prophesizes disaster when experiencing a medial episode which renders him inert in a trance-like state. The creature’s purpose seems only to kill, and kill in the most violent way possible.
Luckily, the dying man’s family has the smarts to recognize what’s happening and the conviction to put an end to it.
My rating: 3/5 stars. Despite a solid premise the story lost its way a little towards the later stages of the novel and could’ve done with editing out a couple of chapters but overall The Tulpa is still worth a look if 80’s horror is your thing.
The Tulpa is a creature materialized from the mind. In this case, a large clay-like brute in human form is the product of a dying man who prophesizes disaster when experiencing a medial episode which renders him inert in a trance-like state. The creature’s purpose seems only to kill, and kill in the most violent way possible.
Luckily, the dying man’s family has the smarts to recognize what’s happening and the conviction to put an end to it.
My rating: 3/5 stars. Despite a solid premise the story lost its way a little towards the later stages of the novel and could’ve done with editing out a couple of chapters but overall The Tulpa is still worth a look if 80’s horror is your thing.
May 4, 2018
In another brilliant horror book, the author JN Williamson steps out of his comfort zone (vampires/ghosts) to a darker area of horror. This book is creative in it's exploration of a not often used genre of horror.
The creation of a 'physical' monster out of the mind of the stroke-addled senior is shocking in how common sense this appears to be.
A chilling and thought-provoking horror book that will give the reader pause when thinking about how powerful a human mind can be.
My Rating: 5 stars
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/si...
The creation of a 'physical' monster out of the mind of the stroke-addled senior is shocking in how common sense this appears to be.
A chilling and thought-provoking horror book that will give the reader pause when thinking about how powerful a human mind can be.
My Rating: 5 stars
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/si...
February 25, 2026
This is my first read of a J.N. Williamson horror story. I have two more of his books on my shelf.
This was a book found and bought for me by my wife. She found it in a charity shop.
I love reading books like this. The cover, published in the 80’s (or 70’s) and the read itself.
Looking at the reviews and ratings it appears not to be so good BUT I am going to give it 4 Stars.
I really enjoyed this read. The story builds up slowly to the conclusion. It is about a creature which grows within an old man’s mind. The creature is a clay like brute human form who wants to kill. A genre not often used in horror stories.
I love 80’s horror so totally enjoyed this!
This was a book found and bought for me by my wife. She found it in a charity shop.
I love reading books like this. The cover, published in the 80’s (or 70’s) and the read itself.
Looking at the reviews and ratings it appears not to be so good BUT I am going to give it 4 Stars.
I really enjoyed this read. The story builds up slowly to the conclusion. It is about a creature which grows within an old man’s mind. The creature is a clay like brute human form who wants to kill. A genre not often used in horror stories.
I love 80’s horror so totally enjoyed this!
May 31, 2020
No Tulpa until 170 pages in and all 3 female characters have big giant boobers and the author makes sure you are very aware of this. Suuuuucks.
December 7, 2025
Wth! Despite how many people have trashed this and considering i hated some of J.N. Williamson other work...
I really enjoyed this one!
I found the premise unique, it had mystery and towards the end it build up to a exciting climax.
It was short and didnt have as much of the Williamson ramblibg as other books, which made it a solid read.
Curiouse to check out some of his other work now to see if i can find other gems or sufferings.
I really enjoyed this one!
I found the premise unique, it had mystery and towards the end it build up to a exciting climax.
It was short and didnt have as much of the Williamson ramblibg as other books, which made it a solid read.
Curiouse to check out some of his other work now to see if i can find other gems or sufferings.
January 18, 2018
I’ve never seen a book that uses the word “manfully” so often.
September 5, 2022
A decent last quarter of action and terror just couldn’t lift up the sagging, boring first three-quarters.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews