Escape to Hell by Muammar Gaddafi

Last week, many were shocked to see the violent demise of Libyan ruler Muammar Gaddafi. There were plenty of notable events in his obituary, but buried in the depths of his many undertakings is his brief career as a fiction writer. Escape to Hell and Other Stories is Gaddafi's sole speculative fiction collection, originally penned in his native language, and then translated into English. Curiously, the book reportedly includes a wide variety of surrealist, horrific, and science fiction elements.

Earlier this year, I mused on the possibility of a despot like Kim Jong Il writing a collection of weird horror stories. Imagine my surprise to find out about this Gaddafi collection. It also begs the question of what's so terribly compelling about artwork created by such powerful and controversial figures? Obviously, it must be some exotic quality. Weird fiction authors such as Reggie Oliver have used the idea to great effect in stories like "The Complete Symphonies of Adolf Hitler."

Perhaps it's a melding of real life horror with literature, and the rare ability to see such men (and women) exposed and unguarded in the way that only creative fiction can provide. Although Gaddafi's alternative career choices will probably always overshadow his literary merits, it may not be surprising if Escape to Hell garners wider attention in the coming years. The iron fisted are hastily condemned, while their motivations and mindsets remain enigmatic, however warped they may seem.

If it were possible to strip away the political context and examine figures like Gaddafi as artists, truly bizarre insights might emerge. Yet, divorcing such works from their lives is impossible, particularly at this stage. Nevertheless, the stories and other types of artwork they leave behind are sure to provoke thoughts and chills in equal measure for anyone who dares to pick up their work.

-Grim Blogger

Escape to Hell by Muammar Gaddafi

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The Shadow of the Unknown Lovecraftian Anthology

The Shadow of the Unknown is the latest anthology to emerge from a real grassroots level in the Lovecraftian arena. Though some of the names aren't yet quite as well known as more established writers, one never knows when they are looking at the next generation of successors to the two or three Lovecraftian waves who have issued out of the literary leaves since Lovecraft exited this earthly plane. This latest book collects nearly thirty tales inspired by the modern weird and its finest attendants.

Going into untested waters isn't always easy, particularly when Lovecraftian fiction is one sub-genre with a history marred by crude pastiches. Still, the endorsement of important rising authors like Jeffrey Thomas indicates that The Shadow of the Unknown is one more effort that's helping re-polish Lovecraft's legacy up to a glowing aura. Consider picking up this anthology for a look at genuine home grown horror with an HPL inspired bent.

-Grim Blogger

The Shadow of the Unknown Lovecraftian Anthology

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The Political Immortality of Cthulhu and the Federal Reserve

About one hundred years ago in the United States, the creation of the Federal Reserve took center stage as a major issue, when Great Cthulhu was barely a speck in H.P. Lovecraft's brain (or so we're told). Now, nearly a century later, the Fed is back in the limelight, and so is the Cthulhu like symbolism around it. Right now, Presidential candidates from Obama to Ron Paul and Rick Perry alternatively defend and deride the Fed, espousing alternating perceptions of it as a benevolent financial overseer or a conspiratorial monster. Who does that remind you of?

The incredible longevity of Cthulhuvian forms in relation to the banking system is interesting and certainly noteworthy. It seems to reinforce something inherently loathsome about chilling creatures with tentacles who lurk in the depths, and the dreadful parasitism in modern finance. The dark, the unknown, and the alien nature of the Cthulhu like octopus is weird and frightening, making it a suitable representative of institutions with little public trust or comprehension.

There are enough conspiracies and nefarious occurrences swirling around the Fed to make a Cthulhu cultist blush. Books like The Creature from Jekyll Island provide plenty of real life nightmare fuel. Regardless of what one thinks about the Fed, in an election year, political ire is so high toward Ben Bernanke and his system that more direct Cthulhu comparisons may be coming.

One final curiosity: H.P. Lovecraft shared his state with Senator Nelson Aldrich, the powerful Rhode Island politician behind bringing the Federal Reserve into existence. At one point, Lovecraft and Aldrich both lived in Foster, Rhode Island, just outside of Providence. Today, both are buried in Swan Point Cemetery. Further shadows of a conspiracy? You decide.

-Grim Blogger

The Political Immortality of Cthulhu and the Federal Reserve

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Bibliomania Meets Weird Horror Fiction

Many thanks to Tartarus Press owner and author Ray Russell for this fine mini-documentary on his book collection. Bibliomania strikes when least expected, even though it has become more expected in weird horror than in many other genres. Undoubtedly a product of limited print runs and deluxe editions, the average literary horror devotee is also a lover of well made books and obscure tomes.

Russell's video is the first known video record of this phenomenon. His intense collecting interest in Arthur Machen and other writers is discussed at length, while handsome shots of the books in question materialize. Rare volumes by Thomas Ligotti, Mark Valentine, and Edgar Allan Poe with Harry Clark's celebrated illustrations sit not far from the Machen books. An impressive collection, without question.

It's little wonder that Tartarus has always carried a strong sense of identity. The rich history behind their operation seems to be standing the test of time, especially if the latest developments are any indication. Just recently, Tartarus issued the latest short story collection by Reggie Oliver, Mrs. Midnight and Other Stories, which met out-of-print status at a breakneck pace.

-Grim Blogger

Bibliomania Meets Weird Horror Fiction

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The Thinking Cthulhu Idol

For Cthulhu cultists bored with traditional busts and idols, the Cthulhu Thinker statue is a fine way to mix it up. Etsy artist Thorssoli has crafted this alternate vision of the Greatest Old One, which doubles as a book end. Statues depicting H.P. Lovecraft's most recognizable creation have exploded in recent years.

From high end Cthinkers to Wacky Cthulhu Bobble Heads for the masses, Lovecraftian decor is no longer out of reach for anyone. Check out the Cthulhu Thinker if you need an unorthodox guardian for your ominous tomes.

-Grim Blogger

The Thinking Cthulhu Idol

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