W.H. Pugmire Resurfaces

Wilum Hopfrog Pugmire is enjoying something of a resurfacing online lately (not that he was ever submerged). The author of Lovecraftian poetry and short, rich prose is appearing in a series of interesting photos over at "Gothic Lowbrow" and in person as a discussion participant in the Thomas Ligotti Online forums. Pugmire, whose most recent collection of stories was The Fungal Stain and Other Dreams published in 2006, has dedicated his literary career to Lovecraftian pursuits in an unmistakable way. While plenty of old friends from H.P. Lovecraft's world like the Great Old Ones and cultists appear in his work, they show up in unique forms alongside themes Lovecraft himself would never touch like homosexuality and occasionally visceral violence.

Pugmire's appearance at TLO forums resulted from recent interest in his work started in this thread. His presence adds to the bustling community of weird authors TLO has already become, featuring the likes of writers such as Mark Samuels, Matt Cardin, Quentin S. Crisp, and sometimes even Thomas Ligotti himself. Perhaps his posting at TLO will increase knowledge and news about this eccentric and mysterious figure. Pugmire has already hinted he has two new books in some stage of planning or production. This is good news for fans of Yog-Sothery, particularly the highly literary breed promoted by Mr. Pugmire.

The post about Pugmire over at "Gothic Lowbrow" is a fine photographic look into the persona and non-Mythos pursuits of this spirited fellow. Aside from churning out new collected stories of Lovecraftian horror every other year since 1997, Pugmire has been active in punk rock music, photography, and serving as editor of several small press publications. The collection of pictures here highlights several projects and personal styles of Pugmire over the years.

If you aren't yet acquainted with the dreamy horror of this Lovecraftian writer, consider doing so today. I promise you won't find mere pastiches of HPL, despite Pugmire's own desire to "dwell forevermore within Lovecraft's titan shadow." Reading Pugmire is a truly unique experience in weird literature, and even better, one that can be done relatively cheaply by ordering his more recent collections from Mythos Books.

-Grim Blogger