Imagining a Better Future by Re-imagining the Past

Sunday, October 3, 2021

Halloween 2021 - Part 1

I don’t think that I’ve seen people as fired up about Halloween as I have this year. I know that I was getting fired up at the start of September, although I admit that I’m pretty much into Halloween year around. This is the first of two Halloween posts for this season.

Lovecraft

Let’s face it; nothing represents Dieselpunk Halloween more than the works of H.P. Lovecraft. His work written in the 1920s and 30s embodies the horror literature of that era and continues to influence modern science-fiction and horror. A Dieselpunk Halloween wouldn’t be Halloween without Lovecraft.

Obviously, the best way to enjoy Lovecraft is to read his actual works along with the multitude of authors who continue to build the Cthulhu Mythos.

Several of Lovecraft’s stories can are on YouTube.

The YouTube channel Steininger has a fantastic illustrated reading of Lovecraft’s short story, Dagon.

 

The YouTube channel MSA Matthew has a great illustrated reading of The Nameless City.

As I mentioned, the Cthulhu Mythos continues to grow and to be re-imagined. Possibly the most outstanding production of the Cthulhu Mythos is Lovecraft Country, which is found on HBO Max. 


For those who want to learn about Lovecraft’s works, I highly recommend the TedEd video Titan of terror: the dark imagination of H.P. Lovecraft.

Finally, to better understand Lovecraft’s concept of Cosmicism, also known as Cosmic Horror, I highly recommend the video ALIEN: What is Cosmic Horror?

 

Halloween Music 

In the mood for classic Jazz and Swing Era Halloween music? I highly recommend Vintage Halloween Music (re-upload), which has songs such as Witchcraft by Frank Sinatra and Swinging at the Séance by Glenn Miller. While the music plays, the video displays Halloween art from that era, as well.

Not where you can watch YouTube? I highly recommend Lee Presson & The Nails CD Last Requests.

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