William Hope Hodgson
Biography
William Hope Hodgson (1877–1918) was an English author of horror, fantasy, and science fiction whose visionary works were decades ahead of their time. Born in Blackheath, Essex, he went to sea as a young man, and his maritime experiences deeply influenced his fiction. His novels The House on the Borderland (1908) and The Night Land (1912) are among the most extraordinary works of speculative fiction ever written, combining cosmic horror with visionary imagination on a vast scale. Hodgson also wrote influential maritime horror stories. He was killed in action during World War I at age 40.
Common themes in William Hope Hodgson's work
Cosmic horror
A recurring theme throughout William Hope Hodgson's writing.
Visionary fiction
A recurring theme throughout William Hope Hodgson's writing.
Maritime horror
A recurring theme throughout William Hope Hodgson's writing.
The Night Land
A recurring theme throughout William Hope Hodgson's writing.
Books
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Why William Hope Hodgson is still read today
Hodgson’s visionary horror and science fiction was decades ahead of its time. The House on the Borderland influenced Lovecraft, and The Night Land is one of the most extraordinary speculative novels ever written.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was William Hope Hodgson?
William Hope Hodgson (1877–1918) was an English author of visionary horror and science fiction whose works influenced Lovecraft and are increasingly recognized as masterpieces.
What are his major works?
The House on the Borderland and The Night Land. Both are available free on TextStack.
How did he die?
He was killed in action during World War I in 1918, at age 40.
Where can I read Hodgson free?
TextStack offers Hodgson’s novels to read free online.
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