H.P. Lovecraft, (August 20, 1890 – March 15, 1937) was an American author who specialized in the bizarre, fantastical, and macabre. He was the natural successor to Edgar Allen Poe, yet he took his stories to a darker, more sinister place. Unfortunately, while he was alive, his work was mostly presented in magazines of the day such as The United Amateur and Weird Tales magazine. It wasn’t until later in the 20th century that Lovecraft’s brilliance was finally recognized by a wider audience. His twisted tales have been published in numerous compilations, and been featured in films, television shows, and video games.
He was born and lived in Providence, RI for the majority of his years. His love for Providence was well known, and the city has frequent descriptions and appearances in his fiction and in his collected letters which amount to nearly 90,000. Indeed, Providence is the setting for many of his tales. Lovecraft has become a revered author today and his influence can be seen in all forms of horror media. Providence itself is hosting the NecronomiCon conference this August, which is a celebration of all things Lovecraftian, and all things influenced by the author.
Now there will be walking tours available to follow the trail of Lovecraft and his work. The guided tour itself extends for about a mile and a half, and takes roughly two hours to complete, winding through Providence’s colonial streets and hills through the College Hill area of Providence’s historic east side. The excursion shows many of the places that Lovecraft frequented and lived, as well as places highlighted in his stories. Quotes from his many letters will be read, in an attempt to show how the author used his home city as inspiration and material for some of his most famous works.
Beginning at the famous Van Winkle Gates at Brown University at the top of College Street, the tour moves north up through College Hill through the east side, and loops back south again concluding at the Providence County Superior Court. Parking for the event will be available on Benefit Street and most of the streets in the surrounding area. There will be some areas that incline. As most residents know, the sidewalks of the area are uneven in places to say the least, so people are encouraged to wear footwear that is appropriate for the experience.
The tour itself focuses on the sights and scenes of Lovecraft’s work and of his life. As most people are now aware, Lovecraft did not shrink from expressing his racist and xenophobic views. It is well understood that some folks cannot separate the art from the artist. He was unfortunately a product of his time, which is not an excuse, merely an observation. Unlike J.K. Rowling, who has the benefit of modern thought and compassion, Lovecraft was a white man in a racist time. The tour does not dwell heavily on this part of Lovecraft’s legacy, although it is acknowledged and referred to. It is recognized but not focused on as there is limited time. Consequently, a reading list will be provided for people, and conversations post-tour are welcomed.
Walking tours will happen rain or shine, though in the event of extreme weather, the tour will be rescheduled, and ticket holders will be notified. The taking of pictures is encouraged, but as most of the stops along the tour are near or at places that are now private residences, people are asked to be mindful. It is asked that no filming or recording of the tour take place.
The owner and operator of the tour is Joshua Rex. Rex, a resident of Providence himself, is an author of speculative fiction and a historian of Victorian America. In addition, he is a walking tour educator with the RI Historical Society and a historian for a presidential library. This author of eight books also gives dramatic performances of Edgar Allen Poe’s works.
In case of schedule conflicts, refunds are allowed up to twenty-four hours before the event. If there is a special circumstance or situation, one can email the organizer directly. It is suggested that the tour is for those thirteen years or older. The next event dates are:
Saturday, August 1 at 11am
Saturday, September 12 at 1pm
Sunday, September 27 at 1pm
Saturday, October 3 at 1pm.
Tickets can be obtained at Eventbrite for $12.00. For further information please visit:
Facebook – @joshuarexauthor
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https://joshuarex.com/programsandturs/h-p-lovecrafts-providence-a-walking-tour