A Lovecraftian occult house is a concept that merges elements of H.P. Lovecraft's cosmic horror and the occult in a fictional setting. Lovecraftian horror often revolves around the idea of ancient and unfathomable beings or forces that exist beyond human comprehension, while the occult pertains to esoteric knowledge and practices that delve into hidden realms of the supernatural. In the case of a Lovecraftian occult house, the building serves as a physical manifestation of these themes. It is typically portrayed as an ancient or neglected structure, shrouded in mystery and imbued with a malevolent presence.
"The best and most thrilling book of exploration that we have ever read … [an] immensely important book." — New York Evening Post
"A series of excellent stories about one of the most interesting corners of the American world, told by a keen and sensitive person who knows how to write." — American Journal of Sociology
"It can be said of many travelers that they have traveled widely. Of Mr. Seabrook a much finer thing may be said — he has traveled deeply." — The New York Times Book Review
This fascinating book, first published in 1929, offers firsthand accounts of Haitian voodoo and witchcraft rituals. Journalist and adventurer William Seabrook introduced the concept of the walking dead ― zombies ― to the West with his illustrated travelogue. He relates his experiences with the voodoo priestess who initiated him into the religion's rituals, from soul transference to resurrection. In addition to twenty evocative line drawings by Alexander King, this edition features a new Foreword by cartoonist and graphic novelist Joe Ollmann, a new Introduction by George A. Romero, legendary director of Night of the Living Dead , and a new Afterword by Wade Davis, Explorer in Residence at the National Geographic Society.
Romero, legendary director of Night of the Living Dead , and a new Afterword by Wade Davis, Explorer in Residence at the National Geographic Society. Nearly forgotten today, King, who claimed to have been married five times, was a fixture on the TV talk show circuit from roughly the mid-1950s until his death in 1965.
It is typically portrayed as an ancient or neglected structure, shrouded in mystery and imbued with a malevolent presence. The architecture and design of the house often defy normal conventions, featuring bizarre angles, strange symbols, and macabre decorations. Within the house's walls, practitioners of the occult delve into forbidden knowledge, summon otherworldly entities, and conduct disturbing rituals.
The Magic Island by Seabrook W B, First Edition (10 results)
Hardcover. Condition: Fair. Dust Jacket Condition: Fair. King, Alexander (illustrator). 1st Edition. Illustrated with drawings by Alexander King and photographs by the author. Foxing/spotting on the edges and boards, binding shaken- some cracks but no loose pages. Dust jacket heavily chipped on the spine ends and edges, fading stains in various spots. Previous owner's name on the f.e.p., foxing on the front and rear endpapers. Text clean.
These activities are usually tied to the exploration of forbidden tomes, arcane artifacts, and dark secrets hidden within the labyrinthine corridors of the house. The occultists may seek to gain power, transcend mortal limitations, or simply to understand the vast, incomprehensible cosmos that Lovecraft's works often depict. Lovecraftian occult houses often have multiple layers of mystery and horror. As investigators or curious individuals venture further inside, they may encounter inexplicable phenomena, encounter monstrous creatures, or face psychological torment due to their proximity to forces that defy human reason. Entities brought forth through dark rituals may lurk within the shadows, while the house itself may exhibit a sinister sentience, toying with the minds of those who dare to enter. The concept of a Lovecraftian occult house has influenced various forms of media, including literature, film, and video games. In these portrayals, the house becomes a character in its own right, invoking a sense of dread, mystery, and endless possibilities. It resonates with readers, viewers, and players who are fascinated by the unknown aspects of the cosmos and the dark recesses of human curiosity. Overall, a Lovecraftian occult house encapsulates the terrifying yet alluring aspects of cosmic horror and occultism. It represents a nexus where human understanding clashes with the unfathomable, evoking a sense of awe, terror, and a yearning to peek behind the veil of reality..
Reviews for "Echoes of Madness: The Insanity Induced by Lovecraftian Occult Houses"
- Jane - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "Lovecraftian occult house". I found the storyline to be confusing and lacked coherence. The characters were one-dimensional and I couldn't connect with any of them. The overall atmosphere was also not as eerie and suspenseful as I expected. Overall, I was left unimpressed and would not recommend this book.
- Mark - 1 star - I just couldn't get into "Lovecraftian occult house". The pacing was incredibly slow, and the excessive descriptions did not add any depth to the story. It felt like a chore to read, and I found myself skipping pages just to get to the end. The horror elements were also underwhelming, failing to create a sense of dread or excitement. I regret buying this book and would not recommend it to anyone looking for a gripping Lovecraftian tale.
- Sarah - 2 stars - "Lovecraftian occult house" was a letdown for me. The writing style was overly verbose and pretentious, making it difficult for me to stay engaged. The plot had potential, but it was overshadowed by long-winded tangents that didn't contribute to the story. The characters lacked depth and development, which made it hard for me to care about their fates. I was expecting a thrilling experience with a Lovecraftian twist, but this book fell flat for me.