Howard Phillips Lovecraft is known as H. P. Lovecraft. The man was born in 1890 and grew to be one of the most memorable horror fiction writers of all time. It’s clearly evident he was influenced by Edgar Alan Poe in his writings. Lovecraft came up with the concept of cosmicism as a literal philosophy. The philosophy of cosmicism states that there is no recognizable divine presence, such as a god, in the universe, and that humans are particularly insignificant in the larger scheme of intergalactic existence, and perhaps are just a small species projecting their own mental idolatries onto the vast cosmos, ever susceptible to being wiped from existence at any moment. This also suggested that the majority of undiscerning humanity are creatures with the same significance as insects and plants in a much greater struggle between greater forces which, due to humanity’s small, visionless and unimportant nature, it does not recognize. Lovecraft’s writing displayed indifference to human beliefs and affairs. Lovecraft is the originator of the Cthulhu Mythos story cycle and the Necronomicon, a fictional magical textbook of rites and forbidden lore.
Although during his life time his writings were not given the credit they deserved. After his death in 1937 years to follow his popularity became greater. In modern culture some of his stories have been transformed in horror films such as Re-animator, Dagon, From Beyond, and many more. He has also been a large influence on rock and metal music over the years. Some bands inspired by Lovecraft include Metallica, Morbid Angel, and Cradle Of Filth.
Ville Vallo of Finnish band H.I.M. in regard to Lovecraft has said:
“I’m waiting for someone like Peter Jackson or whomever to make a good film on any of the H.P. Lovecraft things. With or without CGI I think that could be pulled off these days in a convincing matter. I grew up with H.P. so I love that classical horror.”
There is no doubt this Rhode Island native has shaped the modern world of horror writing and film over the years. Horror fans can only hope to see more of his tales become films in a time where the horror genre desperately needs a breath of fresh air, with new ideas, and concepts. On today we celebrate what would be his 123rd birthday. Happy birthday H.P. Lovecraft you craft for horror lives forever in the eyes of humanity.
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