book recommedation IX

[reverancepavane]

When people talk about the creation of a mythopoetic reality the subject of the Cthulhu Mythos usually gets raised. Probably in a vague wish by one side that Great Cthulhu would rise and devour the other side of the argument. But it cannot be denied (Cthulhu or the argument) that the Mythos has firmly entrenched itself in the consciousness of many people (which probable says a lot about most people's consciousness that is best left unsaid). An example of this is the greater appearance of Mythos stories from authors not generally associated with Arkham Press, Miskatonic University, Chaosium, or certain demented Arab scholars who smoked too much hashish and got scared by the camels. Anyway, this serves as an introduction to the following quote from the journal of Lord C. (from a new Mythos story that almost rivals Roger Zelazny's A Night In The Lonesome October as my favourite Mythos story of all time).

May 10, 1819 In Transit Did not have opportunity to drink plum cordial due to time spent searching for pet to replace Puddles. Upon return to my rooms, replacement pet drank Mad Lizzie's plum cordial. Did not know reptiles liked plum cordial. Fascinating. Replacement pet collapsed unconscious. Educational. Retained own consciousness. Good. Put two and two together concerning cordial, Mad Lizzie, tonight's ritual, girl. Got four. Good. Rescued girl. Good. Saw off Lord C'thulhu. Acceptable. (Note: Hopeless Romantic nature of Great Old One unanticipated but welcome discovery. Saved time, needless death of self, others. Good.] Chastised disobedient congregation with whips of scorpions. Fun. Fed Mad Lizzie to shoggoth. Entertaining. Taking girl to Gretna Green for immediate marriage. Efficient. Very good day.

For those that fear I have revealed the denouement of the story - fear not. This is Esther Friesner we are talking about. <grin>