H. P. Lovecraft and the Black Magickal Tradition: The Master of Horror's Influence on Modern Occultism

(Paperback)

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Modern, practising occultists have argued that renowned horror writer, H. P. Lovecraft, was in possession of in-depth knowledge of black magick. Literary scholars claim that he was a master of his genre and craft and his findings are purely psychological, nothing more. Was Lovecraft a practitioner of the dark arts himself Was he privileged to knowledge that cannot be otherwise explained Weaving the life story of Lovecraft in and out of an analysis of various modern magickal systems, scholar, John Steadman, has found direct and concrete examples that demonstrate that Lovecraft's works and, specifically, his Cthulhu Mythos and his creation of the Necronomicon, are a legitimate basis for a working magickal system. Whether you believe Lovecraft had supernatural powers or not, no one can argue against Lovecraft's profound influence on many modern black arts and the darker currents of western occultism.

Reviews

At the time of his death in 1937 H. P. Lovecraft was little more than a minor pulp author. He regarded himself as a failure. Three-quarters of a century later he is accepted as a serious figure in American (and World) literature, one whose standing and influence grow almost daily.

But was he 'merely' a writer of horror stories, or was there something more to his works Were his many weird beings and alien gods purely the products of his imagination, or did Lovecraft tap into some greater and more esoteric truth than the average reader of Weird Tales or Astounding Stories realized

In H. P. Lovecraft and the Black Magickal Tradition, John L. Steadman addresses this question head-on. Whether Lovecraft was himself a practicing, if covert, occultist, as some devotees believe, or solely a practitioner of the tale-spinner's art, his works fall clearly within the occult traditions of cultural and even supernatural beliefs stretching back to classical Greece, Egypt, and Mesopotamia.

Steadman's scholarship is impressive and the revelations in his book may well be as shocking to skeptics (including me!) as they are reassuring to believers. I recommend this book unreservedly to any admirer of Lovecraft, whichever camp the reader may belong to. --Richard A. Lupoff, author of Marblehead: A Novel of H.P. Lovecraft and Lovecraft's Book

-- "Reviews"
John L. Steadman's book is a welcome contribution to an important and neglected subject. Much nonsense has been written about Lovecraft's involvement with occultism, and Steadman brings a refreshing dose of reason and sanity to the discussion. His thorough understanding of Lovecraft's life, work, and thought, and his impressive grounding in all aspects of the occult tradition, make him the ideal scholar to address this controversial topic. --S. T. Joshi-- "Reviews"
They say truth is stranger than fiction, but is truth stranger than Lovecraftian fiction John L. Steadman's in-depth look on Lovecraft and the occult proves that it is! A fascinating mix of literary criticism, subaltern history, and occult minutiae, even for non-occultists like myself. --Nick Mamatas, author of Move Under Ground and Love is the Law-- "Reviews"
I am enthralled by this outstanding study. As one who has practiced as a solitary witch, and one who now practices as a weaver of Lovecraftian fiction, I can appreciate this book on many levels. In its approach to biographical matters, it paints an honest portrait of H. P. Lovecraft. A magnificent work! --W. H. Pugmire, author of Some Unknown Gulf of Night-- "Reviews"
In H. P. Lovecraft and the Black Magickal Tradition, John Steadman has written a compelling and unusual study of the Chthulu Mythos. By locating Lovecraft's work in the narrative of black magic systems and interrogating the various intersections between the Mythos and real magickal practices, this fantastic book casts new light onto both. A must read for anybody interested in either Lovecraft or black magic, and fascinating for newcomers and scholars alike. --Tom Fletcher-- "Reviews"
John L. Steadman may well have created the most thorough and accessible study of the occasionally perilous, often credulous, but always fascinating realm where the fictional mythos of H.P. Lovecraft dovetails with occult praxis. H.P. Lovecraft and the Black Magickal Tradition exhibits a blend of scholarly insight and literary panache that is sure to please and enlighten both the Initiate and the weird fiction connoisseur. --Richard Gavin, author of At Fear's Altar-- "Reviews"
John L. Steadman's treatise H. P. Lovecraft & the Black Magickal Tradition provides a fresh angle of context for the man, the myth, and the legend. A fine addition to the library of any Lovecraft enthusiast, whether or not you believe in magic. --Cherie Priest, author of Boneshaker and Bad Sushi-- "Reviews"
Not just for students of the occult! Lovecraftian horror fans and writers will find this well-researched volume a brisk and fascinating read. --Lon Prater, author of Head Music and over a dozen Lovecraftian horror stories-- "Reviews"
Steadman has written a perceptive, comprehensive, and admirably balanced study of Lovecraft's connection with occultism. H.P. Lovecraft and the Black Magickal Tradition provides an important and valuable contribution to this highly contentious aspect of his life and work. --Paul Roland, author of The Curious Case of H.P. Lovecraft-- "Reviews"

Author Bio

Jonathan L. Steadman is a scholar of H. P. Lovecraft and western occultism and has been a magickal practitioner for more than 30 years. He is currently an English professor at Olivet College in Michigan.