After Engulfment: Cosmicism and Neocosmicism in H.P. Lovecraft, Philip K. Dick, Robert A. Heinlein, and Frank Herbert

How did H.P. Lovecraft’s weird fiction influence some of the 20th century’s most consequential science fiction authors? Greenham, a lecturer at Australia’s Murdoch University, tackles that question in her impressive debut, which offers probing analyses of the oeuvres of Lovecraft, Philip K. Dick, Robert A. Heinlein, and Frank Herbert. She argues that Lovecraft’s works advance the idea of cosmicism, that “the universe operates as an indifferent mechanism, without purpose or direction, and the human creature is not only insignificant but exists as a biological mutation or accident of elemental and chemical stellar processes.” She contrasts that bleak outlook, which renders “any ethical effort as pointless” because “morality has influence and meaning only at an insignificant and localised level,” with neocosmicism, which offers humanity a way to live a meaningful existence. She points to elements in the works of Dick, Heinlein, and Herbert that align with neocosmicism, such as the evolving view of the universe of Dune protagonist Paul Atreides, who comes to understand how fear has prevented him from seeing the light that’s as much a part of reality as the darkness. By connecting Lovecraft’s work with authors not generally discussed alongside him, Greenham has begun a useful conversation among critics and readers alike that will yield to new interpretations of all four authors. (Nov.)