H. P. Lovecraft
Howard Phillips Lovecraft (1890–1937) was an American writer and editor born in Providence, Rhode Island. He lived mainly in Providence, but also lived in New York City from 1924 to 1926. He wrote horror stories, including “The Call of Cthulhu,” published in 1928, and “The Dunwich Horror,” published in 1929.
H. P. Lovecraft in the library · 7 works
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The Call of Cthulhu
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Audiobooks by H. P. Lovecraft
Every H. P. Lovecraft title in the library is also a complete, professionally produced audiobook — 7 audiobooks in total. Members listen free on any device. Browse the audiobook library →
Frequently asked questions about H. P. Lovecraft
What did H. P. Lovecraft write?
Lovecraft wrote short stories and novellas of weird and cosmic horror, including 'The Call of Cthulhu,' 'At the Mountains of Madness,' 'The Shadow over Innsmouth,' 'The Dunwich Horror,' and 'The Colour Out of Space.' Many of them share a loose mythology of ancient, powerful beings. He also wrote poetry and a large volume of letters.
What is cosmic horror?
Cosmic horror is a style of fear that Lovecraft pioneered, based not on monsters or ghosts but on the terrifying idea that the universe is vast, ancient, and utterly indifferent to human beings. Its dread comes from insignificance and forbidden knowledge — the sense that to truly understand reality would be to lose your mind. It has influenced countless writers and filmmakers since.
Where should I start with Lovecraft?
'The Call of Cthulhu' is the classic starting point and introduces his central mythology. 'The Colour Out of Space' — which Lovecraft considered one of his best — and 'The Shadow over Innsmouth' are also excellent, atmospheric entry points. His stories work well read one at a time.
What is the Cthulhu Mythos?
The Cthulhu Mythos is the shared world of ancient, cosmic entities, forbidden texts (like the fictional Necronomicon), and doomed investigators that runs through Lovecraft's stories. Named after the monstrous being Cthulhu, it was expanded by his friends and later writers into a vast, collaborative mythology. It remains hugely influential in horror and gaming.
Are Lovecraft's stories hard to read?
His prose is deliberately dense and archaic, piling on adjectives to build atmosphere, which some readers love and others find heavy. The stories themselves are short and gripping. A clear modern edition helps you sink into the mood without stalling on his more overwrought sentences.
When did H. P. Lovecraft live?
Lovecraft was born in 1890 and died in 1937, aged 46. He wrote mostly in the 1920s and 1930s for pulp magazines such as Weird Tales, and was largely unknown outside that world during his life. His reputation grew steadily after his death into worldwide influence.
Where can I read Lovecraft for free?
Most of Lovecraft's fiction is in the public domain and freely available. His original text can be quite dense for new readers. Here you can read a story free in clear modern English, and read or listen with a membership.
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