H.P. Lovecraft was an American author of horror, fantasy, and science fiction, known as the father of modern horror. He is best known for creating the Cthulhu Mythos, a shared fictional universe of cosmic horror. Lovecraft's stories have had a profound influence on the horror genre and continue to attract new readers in the present day.
Howard Phillips Lovecraft was born on August 20, 1890, in Providence, Rhode Island.
Lovecraft began writing at a young age and began publishing his work in various pulp magazines in the 1920s.
Lovecraft's work was not widely recognized during his lifetime, but his influence on the horror genre grew substantially after his death in 1937.
Lovecraft's work has since been adapted into numerous films, television shows, video games, and other media.
Lovecraft's legacy continues to impact modern horror, fantasy, and science fiction, and his stories are still widely read and studied today.
Edgar Allan Poe was an American writer and poet known for his macabre and horror-themed works. His stories often explore the darker aspects of human nature and the supernatural, and he is regarded as a central figure in American Romanticism.
Stephen King is an American author of horror, supernatural fiction, suspense, and fantasy. King is one of the most well-known and successful contemporary horror writers, with numerous best-selling novels and adaptations of his work in film and television.
Lovecraft's most famous creation, the Cthulhu Mythos, is a shared universe of horror fiction centered around cosmic entities and ancient deities beyond human understanding. The mythos has been expanded upon by other writers since Lovecraft's death and has had a significant influence on the horror genre.
A novella by Lovecraft, At the Mountains of Madness follows an expedition to Antarctica that discovers ancient, otherworldly creatures that threaten the sanity of the team.
A short story by Lovecraft, The Call of Cthulhu is one of his most famous works and tells the story of a cult that worships an ancient, malevolent entity known as Cthulhu.
Cosmic horror is a genre of horror fiction that emphasizes the insignificance of humanity and the terror of the unknown. In cosmic horror, protagonists often encounter beings or incomprehensible forces beyond their understanding, leading to madness or destruction.
The Cthulhu Mythos has had a significant impact on the horror genre and popular culture in general. Lovecraft's creations have inspired numerous adaptations and expansions, from tabletop games to films and television shows. The mythos is also notable for its focus on cosmic horror and its emphasis on the insignificance of humanity in the face of a vast and uncaring universe.
Lovecraftian horror, also known as cosmic horror, is a subgenre of horror fiction that emphasizes the terror of the unknown and the insignificance of humanity in the face of vast, otherworldly entities. Lovecraft's fiction is often used as an example of Lovecraftian horror, and the term has come to refer to horror works that share his themes and aesthetics.
This is a matter of personal preference, but some of Lovecraft's most famous and well-regarded works include The Call of Cthulhu, At the Mountains of Madness, The Dunwich Horror, and The Colour Out of Space.
Lovecraft's work has been criticized for its racist views and themes, which are present in many of his stories. While some readers separate the author from his work and appreciate Lovecraft for his contributions to the horror genre, others find it difficult to reconcile his problematic views with his literary legacy.