Forever Azathoth: Parodies and Pastiches

Reviewer, author, and PW reviews editor Cannon (The Lovecraft Chronicles) demonstrates his deep understanding of H.P. Lovecraft's Cthulhu mythos in 16 playful stories (many previously collected in 1999's Forever Azathoth). The "Forever Azathoth" section reveals the consequences, played out over generations, of one man's attempt to transcend the limitations of mortal flesh. "Parodies and Pastiches" is a collection of amusingly horrific short works drawing on authors as diverse as F. Scott Fitzgerald, Martin Amis, and Ramsey Campbell. Most notable is the middle section, "Scream for Jeeves," in which the comic fiction of P.G. Wodehouse is seamlessly merged with the cosmic horror of Lovecraft; Wooster and his resolute valet face their occult challenges with cunning, charming if reluctant pluck, and only the occasional horror-induced blackout. Cannon's work is affectionate and informed and will have broad appeal among fans of the weird and wacky. (Sept.)