Russell Hoban - The Bat Tattoo

As to automata, couplings whether human or bestial, however diverse the partners, are of limited stimulation; horror has more depth in its eroticism. On my table the dark wood surrounds the little man; whichever way he turns, the horrible hopping thing is behind him; always it overtakes him as he knows it will. Does he perhaps long for this consummation? Does his desire incline to this ultimate surrender?

M. R. James is indeed premier cru but in H. P. Lovecraft might there be a riper, non-Euclidean delight — a more delicious shudder? Yes, I wonder what Dieter Scharf will do with Cthulhu, rising from the deeps of the ancient past to find love. Doing it his way.

For help in my researches, given most graciously, I am indebted to: Justine Lewis and Ming Wilson of the Far Eastern Department of the Victoria & Albert Museum; Lorraine Bewick, Anthony Green, and Henry Grey of Alec Tiranti Ltd; Stuart Duncan of Moss & Co; Mick Corbett and Gary Maclaren of the Fulham Tattoo Centre; Father John Hunter of the Parish Church of St John, Walham Green; Jane Pountney; Cathy Price of the Cranbrook Archive; Stanley Levy; Robert Ellis; and my son Ben. Dominic Power read many drafts and gave me useful comments. My wife Gundula assisted in innumerable ways in London and Autun.

Russell Hoban (1925–2011) was the author of many extraordinary novels including Turtle Diary, Angelica Lost and Found and his masterpiece, Riddley Walker. He also wrote some classic books for children including The Mouse and his Child and the Frances books. Born in Lansdale, Pennsylvania, USA, he lived in London from 1969 until his death.