Abordnet

The death several months ago of Arthur C. Clarke should be noted here in alt.horror.cthulhu and by Lovecraftian fans everywhere. One of the world's most famous science fiction authors, Arthur Charles Clarke died in Sri Lanka on early Wednesday, March 19, 2008 at the age of 90.  Born in England in 1917, he had lived in Sri Lanka since 1956. Among the many things Sir Arthur, who was knighted in 1998, is known for is his co-writing 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY, and that in 1945 was the first person to suggest the concept of communication satellites, which are a common reality today.  Also in the 1940s, Clarke predicted humanity would land on the moon before the year 2000, an idea at the time that was considered absurd. Clarke was also a Lovecraftian author.  His satirical story At the Mountains of Murkiness appears in Chaosium's THE ANTARKTOS CYCLE edited by Robert M. Price (and elsewhere).  Clarke in his autobiography mentions Lovecraft.  Lovecraft's influence can be found in several of his novels including CHILDHOOD'S END and especially in both the novel and film of 2001. Dr. Price in THE ANTARKTOS CYCLE notes the Lovecraftian nature of 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY.  S.T. Joshi also said this to me (in a personal email).  In the book THE CULT OF ALIEN GODS: H.P. Lovecraft and Extraterrestrial Pop Culture by Jason Colavito also comments in a footnote of the Lovecraftian aspects of 2001. I think that 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY is among the most Lovecraftian films ever made, with of course the very important difference that the god-like aliens in it are benevolent to humanity and not indifferent. In the above mention THE CULT OF ALIEN GODS, the author says that discussions with Clarke also influenced Robert Temple in his creation of the Sirius Mystery which is one of many of the Ancient Astronauts beliefs.  The premise of Jason's Colavito's book is the entire concept of alien gods in the Ancient Astronauts originated in Lovecraft's writings.  (This also occurred to me a number of years ago, before I became aware of Colavito's book.) Clarke, scientist that he was, dismissed the premise of the Sirius Mystery. Even though its Lovecraftian nature is overlooked by film critics and the public at large, 2001 is likely one of the most famous films ever made that was influenced by H.P. Lovecraft. One of Arthur Clarke's most famous remarks and appears in BARTLETT'S FAMILIAR QUOTATIONS is Any significantly advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.  I think the influence of Lovecraft in this statement can be clearly seen as well. On a personal note, Sir Arthur was a gay man.  A number of gay male characters appeared in his books, including in 2010.  In the early 1990s I exchanged a number of letters with him; he showed himself to have a great sense of humor in those.  (Of course, I have made sure to keep his letters to me in a safe place!) So late though it is, Lovecraftians should be sure to note the passage of this fellow Lovecraft fan, Arthur C. Clarke.