“…he mentioned how intrigued he had been when he learned about the planned new observatory at Mount Palomar, in California. He mentioned it to H.G. Wells, whom he met in Cannes, enthusing about the new wonders of outer space that it would unveil. Wells responded, ‘Why get excited about that?’ Wells, the great scientific visionary, had grown sour and embittered in his old age, but Blackwood, the mystical visionary, remained fascinated and in awe. The wonders of the universe, both the seen and unseen, had taken Blackwood by the hand and the heart since his childhood, and they led him still. No matter how many ‘torches’ Blackwood felt had been his guiding lights, there had really only been one - Nature.”
-Mike Ashley, “Algernon Blackwood: An Extraordinary Life”
On one of the many reasons why Algernon Blackwood is my favorite, and in my opinion, one of the most under-appreciated authors that ever wrote.
