Title: From Beyond
Author: H.P. Lovecraft
First published June 1, 1934
99 pages, Kindle Edition
Rating: 3.8
Overview
“From Beyond” by H.P. Lovecraft takes readers on a chilling journey through the twisted scientific experiments of Crawford Tillinghast. Told through the eyes of an unnamed narrator, the story delves into the creation of an electronic device that unlocks the secrets of alternate planes of existence beyond human comprehension.
As Tillinghast’s invention begins to unravel the fabric of reality, the narrator is forced to confront the horrifying consequences of meddling with the unknown. With Lovecraft’s signature blend of science fiction and horror, “From Beyond” is a haunting tale that will leave readers questioning the limits of human knowledge and the dangers of playing god.
About the Author
Howard Phillips Lovecraft hailed from Providence, Rhode Island and was an American author whose works spanned horror, fantasy, and science fiction genres. Lovecraft’s major contribution to the literary world was cosmic horror, which explored the idea that human minds cannot comprehend life and the universe is fundamentally alien.
His protagonists, much like himself, struggled with the concept of sanity. Lovecraft is well-known for creating the Cthulhu Mythos, a series of stories featuring a pantheon of entities that negate human existence, and the Necronomicon, a fictional grimoire that features magical rites and forbidden lore.
His works were deeply pessimistic and cynical, challenging the values of the Enlightenment, Romanticism, and Christianity. Lovecraft’s protagonists often experience a mirror-opposite of traditional gnosis and mysticism by briefly catching a glimpse of the horror of ultimate reality.
Although his readership was limited during his lifetime, Lovecraft’s reputation has grown considerably over the years. He is now widely regarded as one of the most influential horror writers of the 20th century, with indirect and widespread influence that often draws comparisons to Edgar Allan Poe.
Editoral Review
H.P. Lovecraft’s From Beyond delivers a haunting tale about the nature of reality and the limits of human perception. Published in 1934, this short story exemplifies Lovecraft’s trademark style of cosmic horror, filled with cosmic terrors and unspeakable entities.
The story begins as an unnamed protagonist moves into the home laboratory of his deceased friend, Crawford Tillinghast. Tillinghast was notorious for his peculiar experiments in ‘ultra-violet’ radiation, claiming that it could grant one sight beyond the physical realm.
Despite the protagonist’s skepticism, Tillinghast’s experiments prove to be all too real as he unleashes a terrifying creature from another dimension that preys on human senses. The writing style of this short story is intensely descriptive, often bordering on grotesque.
Lovecraft masterfully creates an atmosphere of oppressive dread, carefully building up tension until the shocking climax. The characters exist solely to serve the plot, but the cosmic horror that they experience feels all too real, making the reader feel as though they are standing beside them in terror.
While Lovecraft’s prose style can be dense and difficult to follow at times, the imagery he conjures up is unlike anything seen in modern horror. The use of scientific terminology adds an air of believability to the fantastic events of the story, grounding it in a reality that makes the cosmic horror all the more jarring.
From Beyond is an important work of fiction that has had a profound impact on the horror genre. Lovecraft’s exploration of the boundaries of human conceptions of reality speaks to larger existential issues, making it a work of profound philosophical significance.
However, the story’s overtly racist undertones detract from its otherwise haunting brilliance and modern readers may find it difficult to stomach. In conclusion, From Beyond is a must-read for fans of horror fiction or lovers of the weird and macabre.
Despite its limitations, Lovecraft’s crafting of cosmic horror has had a lasting impact on the genre of horror fiction. Those looking for a thought-provoking examination of the limits of human perception will find much to enjoy in this dark masterpiece.
Washington Post gives it a rating of 4 out of 5.
