Oh sweet Cthulhu, how I adore Lovecraft.
I was spurned to write this review because I just got off a graveyard shift in a big empty office building. I thought to read “The Whisperer in Darkness” during it. Near the end, I got this queasy feeling in my gut and my heart was pounding as if I’d just ran two miles. I think the feeling’s called “legitimate fear.” Forgot what that felt like.
Lovecraft is of course one of the more complicated figures in literary history. Despite being a pulp fictioneer who wrote in an outdated style, he is yet credited for inventing cosmic horror for influencing the most famous writers of the genre—Stephen King, for instance (and even he would agree he can’t hold a candle to H.P.). Though his prose resembles the over-educated, outmoded language of 19th century gothic writers, like Poe and Shelley, the absence of melodrama and the cold de-sensitivity in his characters’ narratives make his writings unique to mid-20th century literature.
Then we have the issue of his unapologetic xenophobia, which comes out in several stories featured in this book (skip “The Rats in the Walls” and “The Horror at Red Hook” if you think this will bother you). Lovecraft apologists, however, will chalk this up to severe mental upset, a genuine fear of the occultic unknown that goes beyond simple bigotry. This fear (which included a fear of doctors) and his inability to survive in urban society resulted in his death.
Now, this collection is a solid must have for any fan of H.P. Lovecraft. It is gently illustrated and features a nice little map of Arkham in the front. All of his most famous works are featured—“The Call of Cthulhu,” “The Shadow over Innsmouth,” “At the Mountains of Madness,” and so on. Also featured are most of his lesser-known, underrated stories, like “The Lurking Fear” and “The Doom That Came to Sarnath.” The physical copy, leather-backed and sturdy, is still like-new after almost 10 years of ownership.
Loading your book clubs
There was a problem loading your book clubs. Please try again.
Not in a club?
Learn more
Join or create book clubs
Choose books together
Track your books
Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free.
Flip to back
Flip to front
Follow the Author
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.
Discover delightful children's books with Amazon Book Box, a subscription that delivers new books every 1, 2, or 3 months — new Amazon Book Box Prime customers receive 15% off your first box. Learn more.
Enter your mobile number or email address below and we'll send you a link to download the free Kindle App. Then you can start reading Kindle books on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.
-
Apple
-
Android
-
Windows Phone
-
Android
To get the free app, enter your mobile phone number.
Customers who viewed this item also viewed
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
Customers who bought this item also bought
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
Customer reviews
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
Reviewed in the United States on March 8, 2020
Verified Purchase
Reviewed in the United States on June 3, 2018
Verified Purchase
Reviewed in the United States on May 13, 2019
Verified Purchase
Good Quality!
By Jodi b. on May 13, 2019
This is the first book I have purchased by H.P. Lovecraft. I am quite excited to read it! The book was in perfect condition, no flaws that I can see so far. The hard cover has a nice leather texture and flipping through the pages I can see a lot of awesome illustrations. Very happy with my purchase! P.S. this book is dummy thicc
By Jodi b. on May 13, 2019
Images in this review
It's a well crafted collection of H.P. Lovecraft stories, but the pages are not decorated, like some Google searches may suggest
Reviewed in the United States on October 21, 2018Verified Purchase
Reviewed in the United States on January 31, 2019
Verified Purchase
Top reviews from other countries
Jay
Top marks for creativity, but Lovecraft can't write.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 24, 2018Verified Purchase
Amazon Customer
Magnificent - a real treasure!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 27, 2020Verified Purchase
Sebastian
Amazing
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 17, 2020Verified Purchase
Ricardo
Perfect
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 5, 2016Verified Purchase
Perfect
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 5, 2016
Absolutely perfect, a true bargain. I had no probblem with the sticker in the back as well, just came out easily without leaving a trace.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 5, 2016
Images in this review
ToraNaprem
Highly recommended
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 23, 2015Verified Purchase
Get everything you need
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
