Lovecraft

Russell Letson wrote a comment on my Morris post, arguing that Lovecraft derives from the 19th century tradition of gothic fiction, which is often dark and horrific, and that this tradition is very important to modern fantasy. Therefore, Lovecraft is important. I think I have his argument right.

My attitude is based on prejudice. I don't like horror. If I do like a story -- "The Mask of the Red Death," for example, which I have been thinking about lately, due to Ebola -- then it isn't horror.

I need to think about whether gothic fiction is about fear of The Other...

I still want the World Fantasy Award to become a Morris chair, containing a dragon or an octopus. If an octopus, the creature should be holding an open book and reading.