Hodgson's combination of classic detection with occult investigations was not without precedent. Hodgson's Carnacki is a younger version of J. Sheridan Le Fanu's Martin Hesselius (introduced in "Green Tea," 1869), a doctor of "metaphysical medicine," and Algernon Blackwood's title character of the story collection John Silence, Physician Extraordinary (1908). Unlike them, Carnacki has no medical training, but he does have a strong scientific bent, illustrated by his invention of an ingenious "Electric Pentacle," a variation of the cabalistic five-pointed star enclosed within a circle and intended to act as a barrier against malevolent occult forces. Carnacki refers to his use of formulae from ancient magic rituals as a "curious thing for a Twentieth Century man" that might provoke "cheap laughter" from some. Carnacki, however, will not allow himself to be "blinded" by ridicule: "I ask questions and keep my eyes open."

Media	Books Paperback Book (Book with soft cover and glued back)
Released	May 2, 2021
ISBN13	9798747306066
Publishers	Independently Published
Pages	116
Dimensions	216 × 279 × 6 mm · 285 g
Language	English

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