American Writers (one Hundred Pages At A Time)

In "Celephais" we have another of Lovecracft's "Dreamlands" stories. This one is about a man who is so isolated in the modern world he seeks fame and adventure in his dreams. Perhaps something about Lovecraft's psychology could be said.

A U-boat captain during World War I learns about an ancient civilization under the Atlantic Ocean (possibly Atlantis), but never gives up his faith in Prussian supremacy over ignorant peasant Rhinelanders. "The Temple" by H. P. Lovecraft is a study in efficient, effective and decisive leadership.

Queen Anne's War may have ended but the fighting between Britain and France continued in a series of proxy wars using Native American tribes. I talk about this and more in part two of my look at Francis Parkman's A HALF-CENTURY OF CONFLICT.

A short H. P. Lovecraft story with a long title, "Arthur Jermyn" deals with topics such as heredity, exploration, Darwinism, and empire. It is one of my favorite of Lovecraft's early stories.

In this episode, I start looking at another book by Francis Parkman. In this case it is A HALF-CENTURY OF CONFLICT which looks at the North Americans Wars from the 1690s to 1750s, as well as the many proxy wars fought through Indian societies.

A nice story by H. P. Lovecraft set in the Dreamlands about mythology, law, witches, gypsies and cats. And all in just a few pages. Highly recommended.

The finale of my review of Francis Parkman's COUNT FRONTENAC AND NEW FRANCE UNDER LOUIS XIV. This section deals with the roots of King William's War and the final years of Frontenac's life and his efforts to subdue the Iroquois and defend Canada from English invasion.

The second part of my review of COUNT FRONTENAC AND NEW FRANCE UNDER LOUIS XIV by Francis Parkman. This part of the book looks at the governorships of Le Barre and Denonville. 

Lovecraft's short story "The Tree" is about art, friendship, and fate. Check it out for something a little bit different.

The fifth volume of FRANCE AND ENGLAND IN NORTH AMERICA looks at the height of New France during the reign of Louis XIV. This episode digs into the first part of this book, covering Count Frontenac's first term as governor and the problems he runs into with the clergy and the backwoodsmen.

"The Terrible Old Man" is a sweet little vampire story by H. P. Lovecraft. This will not be the first time Spanish bullion will be used as a warning to stay away. The polyglot criminals in this story will learn the hard way.

In the final episode of the second "season" of the H. P. Lovecraft Book Club, I look at some of his World War I poems. Next up, his stories written from 1920 to 1924.

The finale of my review of THE OLD REGIME IN CANADA by Francis Parkman. One of the best books in the series. Highly recommended.

A few more poems by H. P. Lovecraft explore some of this themes of cosmic horror, as well as some other themes, including a satirical romance. 

Part two of my review of THE OLD REGIME IN CANADA by Francis Parkman, a social, political, and institutional history of New France during the time of Louis XIV.

In this episode I take on some of Lovecraft's earliest poems.

In the fourth volume of Parkman's FRANCE AND ENGLAND IN NORTH AMERICA we look at the political and social institutions in New France during its peak during the years of Frontenac and Louis XIV. A great addition that does something different from the other values in the series.

The third and finale part of my review of LA SALLE AND THE DISCOVERY OF THE GREAT WEST by Francis Parkman. This episode focuses on La Salle's attempts to establish the foundation of a Mediterranean empire for France. (All he got for it was a short-lived for in present-day Texas). Saint-Domingue is mentioned only in passing.

Lovecraft is not often accused of being dry, but he totally was. Try to enjoy this episode of the H.P. Lovecraft Book Club sober. I bet you cannot.

In this episode, I look at some of La Salle's labor troubles during his expeditions to the Great Lakes and the Mississippi. Maybe it is time for a labor history of exploration.