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Selected Stories
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"I am writing this under an appreciable mental strain, since by tonight I shall be no more."
This selection of works showcases the best-known, most chilling stories of H. P. Lovecraft, including Dagon, The Call of Cthulhu, The Thing on the Doorstep and Herbert West – Reanimator. They feature such deadly horrors as terrifying sea-creatures, menaces from outer space, evil-worshipping cults and unexpected murder by familiar hands. There is no place so frightful that Lovecraft did not venture there, and these tales will leave the imagination reeling, yet dare you to turn the page…
"I am writing this under an appreciable mental strain, since by tonight I shall be no more."
This selection of works showcases the best-known, most chilling stories of H. P. Lovecraft, including Dagon, The Call of Cthulhu, The Thing on the Doorstep and Herbert West – Reanimator. They feature such deadly horrors as terrifying sea-creatures, menaces from outer space, evil-worshipping cults and unexpected murder by familiar hands. There is no place so frightful that Lovecraft did not venture there, and these tales will leave the imagination reeling, yet dare you to turn the page…
- GenresFiction
280 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 8, 2018
12 people are currently reading
24 people want to read
About the author
H.P. Lovecraft
6,040 books19.2k followersHoward Phillips Lovecraft, of Providence, Rhode Island, was an American author of horror, fantasy and science fiction.
Lovecraft's major inspiration and invention was cosmic horror: life is incomprehensible to human minds and the universe is fundamentally alien. Those who genuinely reason, like his protagonists, gamble with sanity. Lovecraft has developed a cult following for his Cthulhu Mythos, a series of loosely interconnected fictions featuring a pantheon of human-nullifying entities, as well as the Necronomicon, a fictional grimoire of magical rites and forbidden lore. His works were deeply pessimistic and cynical, challenging the values of the Enlightenment, Romanticism and Christianity. Lovecraft's protagonists usually achieve the mirror-opposite of traditional gnosis and mysticism by momentarily glimpsing the horror of ultimate reality.
Although Lovecraft's readership was limited during his life, his reputation has grown over the decades. He is now commonly regarded as one of the most influential horror writers of the 20th Century, exerting widespread and indirect influence, and frequently compared to Edgar Allan Poe.
See also Howard Phillips Lovecraft.
— Wikipedia
Lovecraft's major inspiration and invention was cosmic horror: life is incomprehensible to human minds and the universe is fundamentally alien. Those who genuinely reason, like his protagonists, gamble with sanity. Lovecraft has developed a cult following for his Cthulhu Mythos, a series of loosely interconnected fictions featuring a pantheon of human-nullifying entities, as well as the Necronomicon, a fictional grimoire of magical rites and forbidden lore. His works were deeply pessimistic and cynical, challenging the values of the Enlightenment, Romanticism and Christianity. Lovecraft's protagonists usually achieve the mirror-opposite of traditional gnosis and mysticism by momentarily glimpsing the horror of ultimate reality.
Although Lovecraft's readership was limited during his life, his reputation has grown over the decades. He is now commonly regarded as one of the most influential horror writers of the 20th Century, exerting widespread and indirect influence, and frequently compared to Edgar Allan Poe.
See also Howard Phillips Lovecraft.
— Wikipedia
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
July 31, 2023
This book offers readers a mesmerizing expedition into the depths of cosmic terror, unveiling a collection of H.P. Lovecraft's most renowned literary creations such as the haunting "The Call of Cthulhu," the chilling "Dagon," and the macabre "Herbert West-Reanimator." With each tale, Lovecraft's unparalleled ability to evoke a sense of dread and awe is on full display, immersing readers in a world where ancient horrors lurk just beyond the veil of reality and reminding us about how little humans know about our universe. Through his vivid prose and intricate storytelling, Lovecraft weaves a tapestry of fear that leaves an indelible mark on the psyche of those brave enough to venture into his dark and enigmatic universe.
Lovecraft's unique ability to conjure a sense of cosmic dread and unearthly horror is on full display, captivating readers and drawing them into a world that defies comprehension.
Undoubtedly, the pinnacle of this collection lies within the pages of "The Call of Cthulhu." Lovecraft's timeless narrative skillfully intertwines elements of cosmic horror, captivating readers with his ability to evoke a sense of profound unease. Within the pages of this iconic tale, he introduces the enigmatic and nightmarish entity, Cthulhu, whose presence looms ominously throughout the narrative. Along this thrilling journey, the veil is lifted on enigmatic cults, unveiling their hidden practices and arcane knowledge. As the plot unfolds, a profound revelation emerges, one that forces us to confront the humbling truth of our own insignificance in the face of ancient and unfathomable entities.
The author's ability to evoke a sense of awe and wonder is truly remarkable, leaving readers spellbound by the vastness of the unknown. Lovecraft's masterful command of language effortlessly transports readers into otherworldly realms, where the boundaries of reality blur and a palpable sense of unease permeates every page. His evocative prose paints vivid and haunting landscapes, drenched in an atmosphere of cosmic foreboding that lingers in the reader's mind even after the final words have been read.
"Dagon" emerges as yet another remarkable literary creation, skillfully whisking readers away to a barren and desolate setting. Within this haunting backdrop, an ill-fated protagonist unwittingly encounters an age-old and sinister entity. As the narrative progresses, the delicate fabric of the protagonist's sanity begins to unravel, exposing readers to a chilling exploration of the unfathomable horrors that lie beyond the boundaries of human comprehension.
In "Herbert West-Reanimator," the author skillfully delves into a realm of horror that is both distinct and unsettling. This captivating narrative transports readers into a macabre world where reanimation and scientific experimentation take center stage. In stark contrast to the cosmic horror that permeates the preceding narratives, this particular tale delves deep into the shadowy realms of human curiosity and ambition. Lovecraft adeptly melds the realms of science fiction and horror, deftly weaving together a narrative that sends shivers down the reader's spine. Through his masterful storytelling, he delves into the profound ethical quandaries that arise when one dares to meddle with the delicate fabric of the natural world. Lovecraft's storytelling is given a fresh perspective through the episodic structure employed in this story, showcasing the author's remarkable versatility.
In this carefully curated anthology, Lovecraft's unparalleled genius shines through in the selected stories. However, it is important to note that even a master like Lovecraft is not immune to certain drawbacks within this collection. Like any anthology, the collection at hand exhibits a range of qualities and impacts within its tales. Certain individuals may discover that the linguistic and narrative approach employed by the author can be characterized as dense and antiquated, thereby conceivably erecting an obstacle for those unacquainted with Lovecraft's oeuvre.
"Lovecraft Selected Stories" stands as an indispensable inclusion for aficionados of the horror genre, despite any reservations one may have. This literary work provides readers with a captivating insight into the intricate thoughts of a highly influential author within the genre. It stands as a powerful testament to Lovecraft's lasting impact and the profound legacy he has left behind. The author's exploration of existential dread, cosmic insignificance, and the limitations of human understanding remains a powerful and enduring force in literature. These profound themes strike a chord with readers, leaving a lasting impact that has spurred a multitude of adaptations and spin-offs across different artistic mediums.
Lovecraft's unique ability to conjure a sense of cosmic dread and unearthly horror is on full display, captivating readers and drawing them into a world that defies comprehension.
Undoubtedly, the pinnacle of this collection lies within the pages of "The Call of Cthulhu." Lovecraft's timeless narrative skillfully intertwines elements of cosmic horror, captivating readers with his ability to evoke a sense of profound unease. Within the pages of this iconic tale, he introduces the enigmatic and nightmarish entity, Cthulhu, whose presence looms ominously throughout the narrative. Along this thrilling journey, the veil is lifted on enigmatic cults, unveiling their hidden practices and arcane knowledge. As the plot unfolds, a profound revelation emerges, one that forces us to confront the humbling truth of our own insignificance in the face of ancient and unfathomable entities.
The author's ability to evoke a sense of awe and wonder is truly remarkable, leaving readers spellbound by the vastness of the unknown. Lovecraft's masterful command of language effortlessly transports readers into otherworldly realms, where the boundaries of reality blur and a palpable sense of unease permeates every page. His evocative prose paints vivid and haunting landscapes, drenched in an atmosphere of cosmic foreboding that lingers in the reader's mind even after the final words have been read.
"Dagon" emerges as yet another remarkable literary creation, skillfully whisking readers away to a barren and desolate setting. Within this haunting backdrop, an ill-fated protagonist unwittingly encounters an age-old and sinister entity. As the narrative progresses, the delicate fabric of the protagonist's sanity begins to unravel, exposing readers to a chilling exploration of the unfathomable horrors that lie beyond the boundaries of human comprehension.
In "Herbert West-Reanimator," the author skillfully delves into a realm of horror that is both distinct and unsettling. This captivating narrative transports readers into a macabre world where reanimation and scientific experimentation take center stage. In stark contrast to the cosmic horror that permeates the preceding narratives, this particular tale delves deep into the shadowy realms of human curiosity and ambition. Lovecraft adeptly melds the realms of science fiction and horror, deftly weaving together a narrative that sends shivers down the reader's spine. Through his masterful storytelling, he delves into the profound ethical quandaries that arise when one dares to meddle with the delicate fabric of the natural world. Lovecraft's storytelling is given a fresh perspective through the episodic structure employed in this story, showcasing the author's remarkable versatility.
In this carefully curated anthology, Lovecraft's unparalleled genius shines through in the selected stories. However, it is important to note that even a master like Lovecraft is not immune to certain drawbacks within this collection. Like any anthology, the collection at hand exhibits a range of qualities and impacts within its tales. Certain individuals may discover that the linguistic and narrative approach employed by the author can be characterized as dense and antiquated, thereby conceivably erecting an obstacle for those unacquainted with Lovecraft's oeuvre.
"Lovecraft Selected Stories" stands as an indispensable inclusion for aficionados of the horror genre, despite any reservations one may have. This literary work provides readers with a captivating insight into the intricate thoughts of a highly influential author within the genre. It stands as a powerful testament to Lovecraft's lasting impact and the profound legacy he has left behind. The author's exploration of existential dread, cosmic insignificance, and the limitations of human understanding remains a powerful and enduring force in literature. These profound themes strike a chord with readers, leaving a lasting impact that has spurred a multitude of adaptations and spin-offs across different artistic mediums.
June 21, 2022
I didn't know what to expect diving into this collection of short stories. What I got was a somewhat mixed bag of mostly okay stories. I was not a big fan of most of the stories similar tropes and some racist undertones. I guess I should have done my research on the author before going on to read his work... I did however, enjoy his somewhat lyrical prose and vague, round-about descriptions that leave the reader to envision horrors at their own discretion. I'd undoubtedly give, 'The Colour Out of Space' a solid 5 stars on its own. I have not read much horror but it is quite possibly the most unsettling, disconcerting and irritating piece of fictional horror in literature I have read.
June 2, 2021
I enjoyed the shortest stories the rest. Though in most he managed to achieve the horror he is so known for. Very detailed yet vague enough for free interpretation, its no wonder these works inspired so many.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews