The William Hope Hodgson thread

[Robert Adam Gilmour]

We've discussed Wright a bit in a few threads. Recently concerning his Night Land stories which I've heard good things about. That there is a more complete collection Hidden X and I would not buy because it's published by one of the major figures in the Alt-Right. But most of the stories are contained in William Hope Hodgson's Night Lands 1-2 edited by Andy Robertson.
Wright is one of the most notorious figures in SFF for his opinions and involvement in the Puppy movement.

Then there's this new book by Avalon Brantley
New Zagava book from Avalon Brantley - THE NIGHTMARE NETWORK

Nikhil Singh here
Strange Horizons - Nikhil Singh By Geoff Ryman

Quote

"I've also recently completed a trilogy of horror novellas inspired by Thomas Ligotti, William Hope Hodgson, Poe, and Lovecraft focusing on doppelgangers and parasitic entities."

Donald Sidney Fryer is one of the only people I've heard say they were moved by the romance in The Night Land. I was too but it's definitely a screwed up relationship.

[Druidic]

Interesting stuff.

I never care about a writer's political views as long as I find his work to be rewarding.

And I have no idea what the puppy movement is or was, and, in all truth, I probably couldn't care less LOL. From what I've read of Wright, not a great deal, I don't find his views offensive, not even the ones I disagree with. So far I like the guy. I haven't read any of his fiction yet.

Quote Originally Posted by Druidic

"The Night Land" and "The Purple Cloud" are among my favorite "end of the world as we know it" novels. Both, interestingly enough, suffer from uneven second parts.

Aware of its reputation and Lovecraft's opinion, I was waiting for The Purple Cloud to become poor romantic shlock, but it never did for me. I found the romance somewhat engaging, mystical and intriguing.

I also think Lovecraft was wrong in deeming The House of Sounds superior to Vaila.

Quote Originally Posted by Druidic

I find all four remarkable performances. "The House..." is my favorite but "The Night Land" is a close second, certainly one of the most incredible books I've ever read. It's a pity the somewhat ponderous second half prevents some readers from experiencing the book's fine and thrilling conclusion.

House and Night are two of my favourite novels. The bizarre faux archaic style probably prevents most readers from enjoying the latter, which is a shame as, flawed as the technique is, it certainly adds to the sense of cosmic alienage.

The revival of this thread is making me want to reread some Hodgson.

[Robert Adam Gilmour]

Druidic- if only it were as simple as just disagreeing. I might buy one of his books by certain publishers, but his main current publisher (who believes women shouldn't be able to vote, among many other horrific things) is deeply entrenched in some of the worst parts of the far right online community and if you buy from them it's possible you're funding their activities.
Wright made a comment which many regarded as condoning violence against homosexuals and the puppy movement he is involved in resulted in not just compromising the Hugo awards but lots of harassment, intimidation and efforts to defame other authors. This hasn't ended either and its possible that some of your friends and authors you admire could be on the receiving end of their bullying.

There's a real ethical component to all this.

[Robert Adam Gilmour]

Anyone read Iain Sinclair's semi-sequel to House On The Borderland, The Radon Daughters? I wonder if it possesses many of the same qualities?

[Gnosticangel]

Anyone read Iain Sinclair's semi-sequel to House On The Borderland, The Radon Daughters? I wonder if it possesses many of the same qualities?

No, this is the first I've ever heard of this Hodgson connection, though I have previously enjoyed "Lud Heat," "Suicide Bridge" and "Lights Out for the Territory."

I love WH Hodgson, though, so I just ordered it from Amazon. Many thanks for the tip!

[Druidic]

James, did you ever read "The Baumoff Explosive"? It's one of Hodgson's most horrific short stories, and though a bit crude in spots, has a remarkable power. It's also known as "Eloi, Eloi, Lama Sabachthani."

One of my favorites.

I've been rereading his short stories. I find most of them enjoyable, even delightful; and there's a handful--"The Derelict," "The Wild Man of the Sea," "The Call in the Dawn" and several others--that are absolute classics of weird fiction. His power to create unforgettable atmospheres of haunting loneliness and supernatural menace was unrivaled in his best works.

[Druidic]

Robert, thanks for the information. So far I've read only a few blog entries by Wright and found nothing regrettable. I have no use for High Lunacy schemes to deprive women of the vote or the bullying of gays. But, like James, I enjoyed his enthusiasm for The Night Land very much.

[Robin Davies]

Quote Originally Posted by Robert Adam Gilmour

Anyone read Iain Sinclair's semi-sequel to House On The Borderland, The Radon Daughters? I wonder if it possesses many of the same qualities?

The title is just Radon Daughters and it's nothing like Hodgson at all, though it makes references to his novel. I find Iain Sinclair's prose style impressive and some of his ideas and obsessions are fascinating, though in large doses his novels tend to wear me down, and don't have much cumulative effect. I prefer some of his non-fiction books. Lights Out for the Territory contains some great stuff about obscure British movies and his BFI book on Cronenberg's Crash is a joy.

[Spiral]

I'm daunted by the idea of reading The Nightland but it fascinates me and interests me a lot, I have to get to it. What I know of it is a great stimulant to imagination, I particularly love some art inspired by it.

The House Of The Borderland is one of the Best Horror/Weird novels