The Moon Pool
Botanist Dr. Walter T. Goodwin finds himself embroiled in a perilous quest when his friend's wife and companions vanish into a mysterious temple on a remote South Pacific island. What begins as a rescue mission quickly spirals into an expedition into a futuristic, subterranean realm beneath the earth. Alongside a motley crew of adventurers, Goodwin confronts ancient cosmic entities, advanced technology, and a civilization unlike anything known to humankind, all framed with a faux-scientific rigor that blurs the lines between pulp fantasy and speculative reportage. A. Merritt's *The Moon Pool* is more than just a thrilling Lost World adventure; it's a foundational text that significantly influenced the burgeoning cosmic horror genre, most notably H.P. Lovecraft's Cthulhu Mythos. This fix-up novel, originally serialized in *All-Story Weekly*, masterfully blends exotic locales, ancient mysteries, and proto-sci-fi elements with a unique narrative conceit that lends an air of unsettling verisimilitude to its fantastical premise. It remains a vibrant pulp classic, a testament to Merritt's imaginative power and an essential read for understanding the roots of modern fantasy and horror.
Editions
X-Ray
American botanist and narrator who searches for his missing friend Throckmartin. A man of science who struggles to understand the supernatural phenomena he encounters.
Irish-American pilot from the Royal Flying Corps. Brave, humorous, and romantic, he becomes central to the conflict between Yolara and Lakla.
Missing archaeologist whose disappearance sets the story in motion. Taken by the Dweller along with his wife and colleagues.
Beautiful and cruel priestess of the Shining One. Rules Muria with Lugur and becomes obsessed with Larry O'Keefe.
About The Moon Pool
Chapter Summaries
- I
- Dr. Goodwin encounters his old friend Throckmartin on a ship, but Throckmartin is changed and tells of seeing a mysterious entity on the moon path. The entity appears and takes Throckmartin away.
- II
- Throckmartin reveals that his wife Edith, colleague Stanton, and nurse Thora are all dead or worse, taken by something he calls the Dweller in the Moon Pool.
- III
- Throckmartin describes finding a mysterious grey stone door that opens only under moonlight, leading to the chamber where the Dweller dwells.
Key Themes
- Science vs. Supernatural
- The tension between rational scientific explanation and acceptance of supernatural phenomena, embodied in Dr. Goodwin's struggle to understand the impossible things he witnesses.
- Love and Sacrifice
- Multiple forms of love drive the narrative - romantic love between Larry and Lakla, friendship loyalty, and parental love as seen in Olaf's quest for his family.
- Ancient vs. Modern
- The conflict between ancient wisdom and powers versus modern ambition and technology, questioning whether progress always represents improvement.
Characters
- Dr. Walter T. Goodwin(protagonist)
- American botanist and narrator who searches for his missing friend Throckmartin. A man of science who struggles to understand the supernatural phenomena he encounters.
- Larry O'Keefe(protagonist)
- Irish-American pilot from the Royal Flying Corps. Brave, humorous, and romantic, he becomes central to the conflict between Yolara and Lakla.
- David Throckmartin(major)
- Missing archaeologist whose disappearance sets the story in motion. Taken by the Dweller along with his wife and colleagues.
- Yolara(antagonist)
- Beautiful and cruel priestess of the Shining One. Rules Muria with Lugur and becomes obsessed with Larry O'Keefe.
- Lakla(major)
- The Golden Girl, handmaiden to the Silent Ones. Pure, beautiful, and powerful, she opposes Yolara and falls in love with Larry.
- Lugur(antagonist)
- Red-haired dwarf ruler of Muria, co-leader with Yolara. Ambitious and cruel, he seeks world conquest.
