Review: The literary equivalent of a cold draft across the back of your neck
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 10 31, 2011
I can understand why more readers haven't discovered H.P. Lovecraft. Many of today's readers prefer the sudden shock of horror featured in modern horror stories and films to Lovecraft's slowly building sense of unease. Lovecraft is the foul breath across the back of the neck or the cold hand that brushes your's in the dark. In other words, it takes a bit of work to appreciate Lovecraft's stories. Written mostly in the 1920s and '30s, Lovecraft may seem a bit outdated, but getting to know his tales is worth the effort.In this volume are 67 of Lovecraft's stories. I would argue that this collection is not necessarily "definitive," but at least it provides a good overview of his work. Here are many stories in his Cthulhu mythos. For the uninitiated, these are stories of ancient gods who are at best indifferent to mankind's existence (and at worst outright hostile). There are also stories that stand alone and are creepy in their own right without the presence of ancient god-like beings. Many of his stories were originally published in the early pulp magazines, but don't let that questionable pedigree scare you away.Among my favorites are At the Mountain of Madness, The Colour Out of Space, Cool Air and ... well, just read them for yourself and pick your own favorites. A couple of minor caveats, however. First, Lovecraft depends more on mood and creepiness to tell his stories. For readers accustomed to horror that is both quick and gross, Lovecraft may seem curiously old-fashioned. Two, Lovecraft was a product of his times. As such, some of his depictions may come across as racist. Beyond that, enjoy these stories - whether you are reading them for the first time or coming back to them after years away. This collection marks an excellent point at which to start.