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Introduction to the Weird Clark Ashton Smith
When you think “Weird Tales,” H.P. Lovecraft should spring immediately to mind. Even if you’re new to scifi/fantasy, or if you don’t read much horror, you’ve no doubt…
The Word-Hoard: Lapidary
Lapidary: n. Someone whose job is cutting and polishing stones, especially precious stones. adj. 1: Relating to the work of cutting and polishing stones, especially precious stones.…
The Word-Hoard: Sybaritic
Sybaritic adj. Fond of sensuous luxury or pleasure; self-indulgent. The Emperor , of the Emperor’s Notepad, suggested that it might be interesting to explore the origins of…
The Word-Hoard: Unguent
Unguent: n. a thick substance, usually with a pleasant smell, used to treat skin problems or make the skin soft. “Unguent” is an excellent alternative to “ointment” and…
The Word-Hoard: Vertiginous
Vertiginous: adj. 1 a : Characterized by or suffering from vertigo or dizziness b : Inclined to frequent and often pointless change ; inconstant 2 : Causing or…
Jack Vance channels Burroughs: Planet of Adventure
An Earthman finds himself stranded on an alien world peopled by multiple, warring races of men and strange non-human creatures. Armed with courage and wit, trusting in his…
The Word-Hoard: Effulgence
Effulgence: n. A brilliant radiance; a shining forth. “Effulgence” strikes me as a great word for that flood of light when the door is opened between a dark…
Genre Wars: SF & F and Magic
Last week I shared my musings on the divide between scifi and fantasy, and why it’s not the most helpful or natural distinction. Over at pcbushi.com, one of…
The Word-Hoard: Illusory
Illusory: adj. 1. Causing illusion; deceptive; misleading. 2. Of the nature of an illusion; unreal. Phantasm and illusion spring up quite frequently in fantastical stories and weird tales.…
Tolkien’s Hero Hound Huan
I haven’t been following news of the new Amazon Studios’ Lord of the Rings series very closely, though I have heard that at least the first season (of…