Fantasy Hodgson, William Hope: The Night Land. v1, 28 Apr 07

[Dr. Drib]

William Hope Hodgson was an incredible writer of what I call "Cosmic Horror."

The Night Land is especially strong due to its sustained committment to a landscape of horror that seems to have no end, but also because of its length.

This was reprinted in the late 60s as a Ballantine Adult Fantasy novel, published in two separate volumes. Before that it was included in a beautiful Arkham House edition, with a gorgeous Hans Bok cover.

One thing that may be a drawback for some discerning readers is that the syle is somewhat quaint, purposefully so. [See Hodgson's other work, or wait until I have more available here.]

The style in this novel - for me, anyway - is one that I find fits the work and adds to a sense of innocense juxtaposed against the cosmic portrait that Hodgson envisions for his world.

And - HEY! - it's a love story, too.

I hope you enjoy it.

Don

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[Lobolover]

Ive had it ALL printed out (yes,im that sort of a maniac-in fact,I had the completel CLAIMED! fro Bennet and the Novel of the White Powder by Machen with it at the same time) and am SLOWLY reading it.The descriptions of the horrors of the Night Land in the early chapters make it real plain why Lovecraft praises it.Im somewhere in Chapter 11.

[Dr. Drib]

I feel the same way you do about this title. I savor the meticulous and loving detail that Hodgson devotes to his landscape. I've read the book twice, and the second time was just as rewarding as the first.

For me, Hodgson also captured something in the love he feels for his characters and in the portrayal of their innocence - it's a sustained love that seems very rare in today's world.


Don

[Lobolover]

well,but his description of every minute detail about every rock he passes is SLIGHTLY anoying.I mean "to have part of all mine thinkings"?Did anyone EVER speak like that in the first place?

[TheRealBillc]

I've just finished the Night Lands. What a great read. I think the style of the main character contributes to the book. I never knew this book existed so thanks for making it available. I had read House on the Border Land when I was a teenager and always thought it would make a great movie ( I guess no producers agree with me). The only problem I have with Night Lands is that there will never be a sequel. The ending was unexpected, but what a great finish. I'm not the kind of guy who cries at the end of movies or books but this one moved me. What a great love story. The way he describes her is, well, enchanting!

[Dr. Drib]

Originally Posted by TheRealBillc

I've just finished the Night Lands. What a great read. I think the style of the main character contributes to the book. I never knew this book existed so thanks for making it available. I had read House on the Border Land when I was a teenager and always thought it would make a great movie ( I guess no producers agree with me). The only problem I have with Night Lands is that there will never be a sequel. The ending was unexpected, but what a great finish. I'm not the kind of guy who cries at the end of movies or books but this one moved me. What a great love story. The way he describes her is, well, enchanting!

Thank you.

Yes, the book moved me, too. I totally agree with you that it's a love story that propels the action, albeit one that takes place in a Lovecraftian type of cosmos.

I love this novel. I'm glad you enjoyed, too.


Don

[dualice]

Hello,

Is this book available in a kindle 2 format?

Thanks,
Peter.

[Dr. Drib]

Originally Posted by dualice

Hello,

Is this book available in a kindle 2 format?

Thanks,
Peter.

Not yet - but give me some time. You see, I just purchased a Kindle 2 so now I have almost 600 reasons to convert my book assemblies for MobileRead, from lrf files to mobi/prc files.

Don

[dualice]

Wow.. sounds like you have a big job ahead of you! Good Luck!

Peter.