A review by corgireads
Necronomicon: The Wanderings of Alhazred by Donald Tyson
4.0
Review
+ Must read for Lovecraft fans
+ Incredible atmosphere
+ Engaging and thought provoking
I have to start this review by saying that I am a big fan of Lovecraft's work and I find the collected Cthulhu mythos extremely fascinating. This book is a primer of sorts to the mythos and a great starting point for those looking for clarification and more information behind Lovecraft's Elder Gods and major themes. The mythos at this point is very vast, encompassing not only Lovecraft's own stories, but contributions over the years by myriad authors who have delved into it in anthologies and short story collections. This book is the first time to my knowledge that the story and contents behind the Necronomicon ( a book referenced to and alluded in many stories) is fully fleshed out. It follows the life and travels of the Necromancer Alhazred, and through this narrative it touches upon every important point and character in the mythos. From detailed descriptions and spheres of influence of each Elder God, to some fascinating background and history on esoteric and mystical locations in our world and beyond, this book is a great companion for any aspiring fan. I really enjoyed how this book replicates the mood and atmosphere of the mythos, while reading this book you will be disturbed, and very creeped out. That sense of dread and foreboding is what makes the mythos so much fun, it literally creeps into a primal fear inside us, which is in my opinion what great horror should inspire to do. If you're new to the mythos, or a long time fan, this book is a must read and will not disappoint.
+ Must read for Lovecraft fans
+ Incredible atmosphere
+ Engaging and thought provoking
I have to start this review by saying that I am a big fan of Lovecraft's work and I find the collected Cthulhu mythos extremely fascinating. This book is a primer of sorts to the mythos and a great starting point for those looking for clarification and more information behind Lovecraft's Elder Gods and major themes. The mythos at this point is very vast, encompassing not only Lovecraft's own stories, but contributions over the years by myriad authors who have delved into it in anthologies and short story collections. This book is the first time to my knowledge that the story and contents behind the Necronomicon ( a book referenced to and alluded in many stories) is fully fleshed out. It follows the life and travels of the Necromancer Alhazred, and through this narrative it touches upon every important point and character in the mythos. From detailed descriptions and spheres of influence of each Elder God, to some fascinating background and history on esoteric and mystical locations in our world and beyond, this book is a great companion for any aspiring fan. I really enjoyed how this book replicates the mood and atmosphere of the mythos, while reading this book you will be disturbed, and very creeped out. That sense of dread and foreboding is what makes the mythos so much fun, it literally creeps into a primal fear inside us, which is in my opinion what great horror should inspire to do. If you're new to the mythos, or a long time fan, this book is a must read and will not disappoint.