Jonathan L. Steadman is a scholar of H. P. Lovecraft and western occultism and has been a magickal practitioner for more than 30 years. He is currently an English professor at Olivet College in Michigan.
"At the time of his death in 1937 H. P. Lovecraft was little more
than a minor pulp author. He regarded himself as a failure.
Three-quarters of a century later he is accepted as a serious
figure in American (and World) literature, one whose standing and
influence grow almost daily.But was he 'merely' a writer of horror
stories, or was there something more to his works? Were his many
weird beings and alien gods purely the products of his imagination,
or did Lovecraft tap into some greater and more esoteric truth than
the average reader of Weird Tales or Astounding Stories realized?In
H. P. Lovecraft and the Black Magickal Tradition, John L. Steadman
addresses this question head-on. Whether Lovecraft was himself a
practicing, if covert, occultist, as some devotees believe, or
solely a practitioner of the tale-spinner's art, his works fall
clearly within the occult traditions of cultural and even
supernatural beliefs stretching back to classical Greece, Egypt,
and Mesopotamia.Steadman's scholarship is impressive and the
revelations in his book may well be as shocking to skeptics
(including me!) as they are reassuring to believers. I recommend
this book unreservedly to any admirer of Lovecraft, whichever camp
the reader may belong to." --Richard A. Lupoff, author of
Marblehead: A Novel of H.P. Lovecraft and Lovecraft's Book--
"Reviews"
"John L. Steadman's book is a welcome contribution to an important
and neglected subject. Much nonsense has been written about
Lovecraft's involvement with occultism, and Steadman brings a
refreshing dose of reason and sanity to the discussion. His
thorough understanding of Lovecraft's life, work, and thought, and
his impressive grounding in all aspects of the occult tradition,
make him the ideal scholar to address this controversial topic."
--S. T. Joshi-- "Reviews"
"They say truth is stranger than fiction, but is truth stranger
than Lovecraftian fiction? John L. Steadman's in-depth look on
Lovecraft and the occult proves that it is! A fascinating mix of
literary criticism, subaltern history, and occult minutiae, even
for non-occultists like myself." --Nick Mamatas, author of Move
Under Ground and Love is the Law-- "Reviews"
"I am enthralled by this outstanding study. As one who has
practiced as a solitary witch, and one who now practices as a
weaver of Lovecraftian fiction, I can appreciate this book on many
levels. In its approach to biographical matters, it paints an
honest portrait of H. P. Lovecraft. A magnificent work!" --W. H.
Pugmire, author of Some Unknown Gulf of Night-- "Reviews"
"In H. P. Lovecraft and the Black Magickal Tradition, John Steadman
has written a compelling and unusual study of the Chthulu Mythos.
By locating Lovecraft's work in the narrative of black magic
systems and interrogating the various intersections between the
Mythos and real magickal practices, this fantastic book casts new
light onto both. A must read for anybody interested in either
Lovecraft or black magic, and fascinating for newcomers and
scholars alike." --Tom Fletcher-- "Reviews"
"John L. Steadman may well have created the most thorough and
accessible study of the occasionally perilous, often credulous, but
always fascinating realm where the fictional mythos of H.P.
Lovecraft dovetails with occult praxis. H.P. Lovecraft and the
Black Magickal Tradition exhibits a blend of scholarly insight and
literary panache that is sure to please and enlighten both the
Initiate and the weird fiction connoisseur." --Richard Gavin,
author of At Fear's Altar-- "Reviews"
"John L. Steadman's treatise H. P. Lovecraft & the Black Magickal
Tradition provides a fresh angle of context for the man, the myth,
and the legend. A fine addition to the library of any Lovecraft
enthusiast, whether or not you believe in magic." --Cherie Priest,
author of Boneshaker and Bad Sushi-- "Reviews"
"Not just for students of the occult! Lovecraftian horror fans and
writers will find this well-researched volume a brisk and
fascinating read." --Lon Prater, author of Head Music and over a
dozen Lovecraftian horror stories-- "Reviews"
"Steadman has written a perceptive, comprehensive, and admirably
balanced study of Lovecraft's connection with occultism. H.P.
Lovecraft and the Black Magickal Tradition provides an important
and valuable contribution to this highly contentious aspect of his
life and work." --Paul Roland, author of The Curious Case of H.P.
Lovecraft-- "Reviews"
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