Define Ligottian/Ligottiesque

[DoktorH]

I've described Ligottian as being Lovecraftian minus the tentacle-monster window dressing. Things are not bleak because of some ancient space-monster manipulating people for generations, but because that is simply the natural state of things and the presence or absence of monsters, cults, atavistic humans, old spellbooks, etc makes no real difference on the final outcome. Should you find yourself trapped in a Lovecraft story, you can always get out okay by remaining ignorant. In a Ligotti story, ignorance will not save you.

[DoktorH]

Quote Originally Posted by DoktorH

I've described Ligottian as being Lovecraftian minus the tentacle-monster window dressing. Things are not bleak because of some ancient space-monster manipulating people for generations, but because that is simply the natural state of things and the presence or absence of monsters, cults, atavistic humans, old spellbooks, etc makes no real difference on the final outcome. Should you find yourself trapped in a Lovecraft story, you can always get out okay by remaining ignorant. In a Ligotti story, ignorance will not save you.

A year ago, this is how I defined "Ligottian."

now? I have a slightly different definition

everything is Ligottian on a long enough timeline, or strong enough magnification if it is not Ligottian overtly. I base this largely on This Degenerate Little Town, which is, in its own way, every town.

[Steve Dekorte]

Explorations of dysphoric psychological disassociation.