H. P. Lovecraft
H.P. Lovecraft was an American writer known for his weird and horror fiction, particularly the creation of the Cthulhu Mythos. His work, largely published posthumously, has inspired a vast body of literature and a subgenre of horror.
Books
This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.
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1. At the Mountains of Madness
In this chilling tale, an Antarctic expedition led by Dr. William Dyer from Miskatonic University uncovers ancient, alien ruins and a dangerous secret that forces them to question their understanding of the universe and their own sanity. As they delve deeper into the mystery, they encounter remnants of a prehistoric, monstrous civilization, which they believe could have been the original creators of life on Earth. The story is filled with Lovecraft's signature cosmic horror and themes of forbidden knowledge, non-human influences on humanity, and the insignificance of humans in the universe.
The 565th Greatest Book of All Time -
2. The Outsider And Others
"The Outsider And Others" is a collection of chilling and macabre tales by H. P. Lovecraft. This anthology takes readers on a journey through the author's unique and unsettling imagination, exploring themes of cosmic horror, ancient gods, and the fragility of the human mind. With its atmospheric prose and nightmarish scenarios, this collection is a must-read for fans of Lovecraft's dark and haunting storytelling.
The 567th Greatest Book of All Time -
3. The Lurker At The Threshold
"The Lurker At The Threshold" is a chilling tale that delves into the realm of cosmic horror. Set in the fictional town of Arkham, the story follows a man who discovers an ancient manuscript that reveals the existence of a malevolent entity known as the Lurker. As he delves deeper into the mysteries surrounding the Lurker, he becomes entangled in a web of dark secrets, forbidden knowledge, and impending doom. With Lovecraftian themes of madness, forbidden knowledge, and the fragility of the human mind, this book is a haunting exploration of the unknown and the terrifying forces that lurk just beyond our comprehension.
The 1984th Greatest Book of All Time -
4. The Case Of Charles Dexter Ward
In this chilling tale, a young man named Charles Dexter Ward becomes obsessed with his mysterious ancestor, Joseph Curwen, who dabbled in alchemy and necromancy in the 18th century. As Ward delves deeper into his ancestor's dark past, he uncovers horrifying secrets that lead to his own involvement in arcane and dangerous practices. His investigation causes alarming changes in his behavior, prompting a desperate response from those around him as they try to halt a rising evil. The story blends elements of gothic horror and historical mystery, creating a disturbing exploration of obsession and the supernatural.
The 2101st Greatest Book of All Time -
5. The Call Of Cthulhu
In this classic tale of cosmic horror, a series of fragmented narratives converge to reveal the discovery of an ancient and malevolent entity, Cthulhu, lying dormant beneath the sea. After a series of strange events and encounters with bizarre cults, the protagonist uncovers the truth about the creature's terrifying influence on the minds of sensitive individuals across the globe. As the narrative unfolds through found documents, diary entries, and firsthand accounts, the monstrous figure of Cthulhu emerges as a symbol of the incomprehensible and indifferent forces that lurk beyond the edges of human understanding, waiting for the moment to reawaken and engulf the world in madness and chaos.
The 2790th Greatest Book of All Time -
6. The Lurking Fear And Other Stories
"The Lurking Fear And Other Stories" is a collection of chilling tales by H. P. Lovecraft. The book delves into the depths of horror and the unknown, exploring themes of madness, cosmic entities, and the fragility of the human mind. Lovecraft's atmospheric storytelling and vivid descriptions create a sense of unease and dread, as readers are transported to eerie landscapes and confronted with unimaginable horrors lurking just beyond the veil of reality. From ancient curses to hidden terrors, this collection offers a captivating journey into the darkest corners of the human psyche.
The 2833rd Greatest Book of All Time -
7. Beyond The Wall Of Sleep
The story follows an unnamed narrator who works at a mental hospital and becomes fascinated by a patient named Joe Slater, a violent and troubled man from the backwoods of the Catskill Mountains. Slater experiences vivid and otherworldly dreams that suggest a connection to a cosmic realm beyond human comprehension. Using an experimental device, the narrator attempts to bridge the gap between Slater's mind and his own, uncovering a celestial conflict and the existence of a luminous being that transcends earthly existence. The tale explores themes of dreams, the unknown, and the thin veil between reality and the supernatural.
The 3420th Greatest Book of All Time -
8. The Thing On The Doorstep
In this chilling tale, a man named Daniel Upton recounts the disturbing events leading to the death of his friend, Edward Derby. Edward becomes entangled with a mysterious and sinister woman named Asenath Waite, who possesses unsettling powers and a dark connection to the occult. As Edward's behavior becomes increasingly erratic and his personality seems to change, Daniel uncovers a horrifying truth about Asenath's ability to transfer her consciousness into others. The story culminates in a desperate struggle to save Edward's soul from a fate worse than death, revealing the terrifying reach of ancient, malevolent forces.
The 3697th Greatest Book of All Time -
9. The Dreams In The Witch House And Other Weird Stories
This collection of stories delves into the eerie and unsettling realms of the supernatural and the unknown, exploring themes of cosmic horror and the limits of human understanding. The narratives often feature protagonists who encounter otherworldly entities and forbidden knowledge, leading to their inevitable descent into madness or doom. The tales are characterized by their atmospheric settings, intricate mythologies, and a pervasive sense of dread, capturing the essence of fear that lies beyond the veil of reality. Through these stories, the collection examines the fragility of sanity when confronted with the incomprehensible forces lurking in the shadows of existence.
The 3697th Greatest Book of All Time -
10. The Dunwich Horror And Others
The Best Supernatural Stories of H. P. Lovecraft
This collection of stories delves into the eerie and unsettling world of supernatural horror, featuring tales that explore the boundaries between reality and the unknown. Set in a universe where ancient, cosmic forces lurk just beyond the veil of human understanding, the narratives often revolve around characters who encounter these malevolent entities, leading to terrifying and mind-bending experiences. The stories are rich with atmospheric tension, blending elements of folklore, mythology, and the occult to create a sense of dread and wonder. Through intricate storytelling and vivid descriptions, the collection captures the essence of cosmic horror, leaving readers with a lingering sense of unease and fascination with the mysteries of the universe.
The 3829th Greatest Book of All Time -
11. Collected Poems
This collection brings together the poetic works of a master of horror and the macabre, showcasing his unique ability to blend cosmic horror with classical poetic forms. The poems explore themes of existential dread, the insignificance of humanity in the vastness of the universe, and the eerie beauty of the unknown. Through vivid imagery and haunting language, the poet evokes a sense of unease and wonder, drawing readers into a world where the boundaries between reality and nightmare blur. The collection serves as a testament to the author's literary versatility and his enduring influence on the genre of weird fiction.
The 4530th Greatest Book of All Time -
12. Supernatural Horror In Literature
The book explores the evolution and characteristics of supernatural horror in literature, tracing its origins from ancient folklore and mythology to its development in Gothic fiction and beyond. It examines the works of key authors who have contributed to the genre, analyzing their themes, styles, and the psychological impact of their stories. The text delves into the nature of fear and the unknown, highlighting how these elements are used to evoke a sense of cosmic dread and existential terror. Through a detailed survey, it underscores the enduring appeal and significance of supernatural horror as a reflection of human anxieties and the mysteries of the universe.
The 4852nd Greatest Book of All Time -
13. Cry Horror!
The book is a collection of chilling tales that delve into the macabre and the supernatural, exploring themes of cosmic horror and the unknown. Each story immerses the reader in a world where reality is distorted by ancient, otherworldly forces, often leading characters to madness or doom. The narratives are rich with atmospheric tension, blending elements of science fiction, fantasy, and horror to evoke a sense of dread and wonder. Through vivid descriptions and intricate plots, the stories capture the fragility of human sanity when confronted with the incomprehensible mysteries of the universe.
The 5900th Greatest Book of All Time -
14. Dagon, And Other Macabre Tales
This collection of stories delves into the eerie and unsettling realms of the supernatural and the unknown, exploring themes of cosmic horror and the insignificance of humanity in the face of incomprehensible forces. The tales often feature protagonists who encounter ancient, otherworldly entities and forbidden knowledge that drive them to madness or despair. Through richly detailed and atmospheric narratives, the stories evoke a sense of dread and fascination with the mysteries that lie beyond the veil of reality, highlighting the fragility of human understanding and the lurking terror of the unknown.
The 6514th Greatest Book of All Time -
15. Necronomicon
This book is a collection of fantastical and horror short stories, unified by the theme of the cosmic horror of the unknown and the insignificance of humans within the larger cosmos. The stories often feature arcane books, eldritch abominations, and protagonists who face the dire consequences of confronting forces beyond their understanding. The fictional grimoire, which shares the book's title, serves as a recurring plot device, symbolizing the dark knowledge and forbidden secrets that pervade the mythos created within these tales. The work has had a profound influence on the horror genre, inspiring countless writers and artists with its blend of the supernatural and the psychological, and its legacy of terror continues to endure in popular culture.
The 8370th Greatest Book of All Time -
16. Tales of H. P. Lovecraft
This book is a collection of stories by an iconic writer of horror and strange fiction. The tales are filled with bizarre creatures, ancient curses, and mind-bending concepts about the nature of reality. The stories are often set in isolated, decaying locations and explore themes of cosmic horror and the unknown. The author's unique writing style and vivid imagination have made him a significant figure in the genre of supernatural fiction.
The 9595th Greatest Book of All Time -
17. The Shadow Over Innsmouth
In this classic horror novella, a curious outsider visits the decaying, shunned seaport of Innsmouth, only to uncover its inhabitants' disturbing secret. As he explores the town's history and interacts with its peculiar residents, he learns of the town's pact with deep-sea entities known as the Deep Ones, which has led to a gradual transformation of the townspeople. The protagonist's investigation soon turns into a desperate struggle for survival and escape as he is pursued by the town's half-human, half-amphibian denizens, leading to a revelation about his own ancestry that forever alters his perception of reality.
The 12882nd Greatest Book of All Time -
18. The Music Of Erich Zann
In this eerie tale, a university student becomes fascinated by the mysterious music played by his reclusive neighbor, Erich Zann, who lives in a peculiar, isolated street. The student discovers that Zann's haunting melodies are not mere compositions but desperate attempts to keep at bay otherworldly forces that threaten to break through into reality. As the student delves deeper into the unsettling connection between the music and the supernatural, he experiences a terrifying glimpse into a realm beyond human comprehension, leaving him forever haunted by the chilling encounter.
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19. The Call Of Cthulu And Other Stories
This collection of stories delves into the eerie and unsettling universe crafted by a master of horror, where ancient cosmic entities lurk just beyond the veil of human understanding. The narratives explore themes of forbidden knowledge, the insignificance of humanity in the vast cosmos, and the psychological unraveling of those who encounter these eldritch horrors. Through a blend of meticulous detail and atmospheric tension, the stories evoke a sense of dread and fascination, inviting readers to ponder the limits of reality and the terrifying unknown that lies beyond.
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20. Lovecraft's Fiction Volume Ii, 1926 1928
Beyond the Wall of Sleep
This collection delves into the eerie and unsettling universe crafted by the author during the years 1926 to 1928, featuring tales that explore cosmic horror and the insignificance of humanity in the face of incomprehensible forces. The stories often revolve around protagonists who encounter ancient, otherworldly entities and forbidden knowledge, leading to madness or doom. The narratives are rich with atmospheric detail, blending elements of science fiction, fantasy, and horror to create a sense of dread and awe. Through these tales, the author continues to expand his mythos, introducing readers to a world where the boundaries of reality are tenuous and the unknown looms ominously.
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21. Lovecraft's Fiction Volume I, 1905 1925
The Dunwich Horror and Others
This collection features the early works of a master of cosmic horror, showcasing his development of a unique literary style that blends elements of science fiction, fantasy, and horror. The stories explore themes of forbidden knowledge, the insignificance of humanity in the vast universe, and the lurking terror of ancient, otherworldly entities. Through richly detailed narratives and a pervasive atmosphere of dread, the tales invite readers into a world where reality is fragile and the boundaries between the known and the unknown are perilously thin. These early writings lay the groundwork for the author's later, more famous works, introducing motifs and settings that would become hallmarks of his enduring legacy.
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22. Lovecraft's Fiction Volume Iv, 1932 1936
This collection features a series of chilling and imaginative tales written between 1932 and 1936, showcasing the author's mastery of cosmic horror and the weird fiction genre. The stories delve into themes of forbidden knowledge, ancient deities, and the insignificance of humanity in the vast universe. Through richly detailed settings and a sense of creeping dread, the narratives explore the boundaries of reality and the unknown, leaving readers with a lingering sense of unease and fascination with the macabre.
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23. Lovecraft's Fiction Volume Iii, 1928 1931
This collection features a series of chilling and imaginative tales that delve into the cosmic horror and the unknown, characteristic of the author's unique style. The stories explore themes of forbidden knowledge, ancient deities, and the insignificance of humanity in the vast universe. Through richly detailed narratives and atmospheric settings, the tales evoke a sense of dread and wonder, drawing readers into a world where reality and the supernatural intertwine. The characters often grapple with their own sanity as they encounter otherworldly entities and uncover secrets best left hidden, highlighting the author's mastery in crafting suspenseful and thought-provoking horror fiction.
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24. The Alchemist
In this chilling tale, a nobleman named Antoine struggles with a family curse that has plagued his lineage for generations, leading to mysterious deaths at the age of thirty-two. As Antoine approaches this fateful age, he becomes increasingly obsessed with uncovering the truth behind the curse. His investigation leads him to a decrepit castle, where he encounters the sinister alchemist responsible for the curse. The story unfolds with a blend of gothic horror and suspense, culminating in a confrontation that reveals the dark secrets of immortality and vengeance.
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25. The Call Of Ctulhu
The story unfolds through the discovery of a series of documents and accounts that reveal the existence of an ancient cosmic entity known as Cthulhu. As the narrator delves deeper into these findings, he uncovers a chilling narrative of cults, madness, and the insignificance of humanity in the face of incomprehensible cosmic forces. The tale weaves together various perspectives and events, ultimately painting a picture of a world teetering on the brink of awakening an ancient horror that lies dormant beneath the sea, suggesting that some knowledge is too terrifying to comprehend.
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26. H.P. Lovecraft
The book is a comprehensive collection of H.P. Lovecraft's most influential and chilling works, showcasing his mastery in crafting tales of cosmic horror and the macabre. It delves into themes of forbidden knowledge, the insignificance of humanity in the vast universe, and encounters with otherworldly entities. Through his vivid imagination and unique narrative style, Lovecraft transports readers to eerie settings filled with ancient secrets and lurking terrors, leaving a lasting impact on the horror genre and inspiring countless writers and creators.
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27. The Complete Works Of H.P. Lovecraft
This collection brings together the entire body of work by the renowned writer, featuring his iconic tales of cosmic horror and the supernatural. It delves into themes of forbidden knowledge, ancient deities, and the insignificance of humanity in the vast universe. The stories often explore the limits of human understanding and the terror that lies beyond, with settings ranging from decaying New England towns to otherworldly dimensions. Through a rich tapestry of mythos and atmospheric storytelling, the collection captures the essence of Lovecraft's unique contribution to the horror genre.