The Baumoff Explosive: or: Eloi, Eloi, Lama Sabachthani

Written by William Hope Hodgson

Narrated by Cathy Dobson

William Hope Hodgson (1877-1918) was an English author. He produced a large body of work including horror, fantastic fiction, and science fiction stories.

'The Baumoff Explosive' (sometimes known as 'Eloi, Eloi, Lama Sabachthani') was first published in 1919. This story is one of Hodgson's most powerful and disturbing and is especially relevant to modern times because of its themes of blasphemy, religious mania, obsession with the crucifixion of Jesus, and suicide bombing.

A group of friends is discussing the rumour that a strange new explosive has been invented by a man named Baumoff, which has the effect of creating a temporary area of darkness. One of those present describes his last meeting with Baumoff - a scientist who is also profoundly Christian and obsessed with the crucifixion.

Baumoff believes that aspects of the crucifixion story - in particular the sky turning black between the sixth and ninth hour - have a rational, scientific basis. He believes the human psyche can affect the aether and impede the transmission of light.

Baumoff demonstrates how a tiny quantity of a chemical compound, when crushed and burned, creates a region of temporary darkness. Baumoff then goes on to demonstrate what happens when the substance is 'burned' (metabolised) within his own body. While his friend watches in horror, Baumoff's heart rate and respiration increase dangerously, and he begins driving metal spikes into his hands and feet to simulate the pain of Christ's crucifixion.

The narrator begs him to stop his demonstration, but Baumoff insists that the narrator only observe and take careful note. But as the experiment continues, things become increasingly sinister...and it becomes clear that Baumoff has unleashed forces which he cannot control.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Red Door Consulting
• Release date: Feb 20, 2016
• ISBN: 9781509401352

William Hope Hodgson

William Hope Hodgson (1877-1918) was a British author and poet best known for his works of macabre fiction. Early experience as a sailor gave resonance to his novels of the supernatural at sea, The Ghost Pirates and The Boats of the Glen-Carrig, but The House on the Borderland and The Night Land are often singled out for their powerful depiction of eerie, otherworldly horror. The author was a man of many parts, a public speaker, photographer and early advocate of bodybuilding. He was killed in action during the Battle of the Lys in the First World War.