H.P. Lovecraft
Full Name and Common Aliases
Howard Phillips Lovecraft, commonly known as H.P. Lovecraft, is a name that resonates deeply within the realms of horror and speculative fiction. Often referred to simply as Lovecraft, he is a towering figure in the genre, whose influence extends far beyond his lifetime.
Birth and Death Dates
H.P. Lovecraft was born on August 20, 1890, in Providence, Rhode Island, and he passed away on March 15, 1937, in the same city that he called home for most of his life.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Lovecraft was an American writer, best known for his work in the genres of horror, fantasy, and science fiction. Although he was not widely recognized during his lifetime, his posthumous fame has established him as one of the most significant figures in 20th-century literature.
Early Life and Background
Born into a family with a rich New England heritage, Lovecraft's early life was marked by both privilege and tragedy. His father, Winfield Scott Lovecraft, suffered from acute psychosis and was institutionalized when Lovecraft was just three years old. His mother, Sarah Susan Phillips Lovecraft, also struggled with mental health issues, which deeply affected Lovecraft's upbringing. Despite these challenges, Lovecraft was a precocious child, demonstrating an early passion for reading and writing. He was particularly drawn to classical literature and the sciences, which would later inform his unique style of cosmic horror.
Lovecraft's education was sporadic due to frequent illnesses, but he was largely self-taught, devouring books on a wide range of subjects. His early fascination with the macabre and the unknown laid the groundwork for his future literary endeavors.
Major Accomplishments
Although Lovecraft's work was not widely published during his lifetime, he was a prolific writer, contributing to various pulp magazines and maintaining an extensive correspondence with other writers and fans. His major accomplishment lies in the creation of the Cthulhu Mythos, a shared fictional universe that has inspired countless writers, filmmakers, and artists. This mythos introduced readers to a pantheon of ancient, cosmic deities and the concept of existential dread, themes that have become staples in horror literature.
Notable Works or Actions
Lovecraft's most notable works include short stories such as "The Call of Cthulhu," "At the Mountains of Madness," and "The Shadow Over Innsmouth." These stories are characterized by their intricate world-building, atmospheric tension, and the exploration of humanity's insignificance in the face of incomprehensible cosmic forces. Lovecraft's writing style, often described as dense and archaic, adds to the eerie and unsettling nature of his tales.
In addition to his fiction, Lovecraft was an influential editor and mentor to other writers. His extensive correspondence with contemporaries such as Robert E. Howard and August Derleth helped shape the direction of weird fiction and ensured the continuation of his mythos after his death.
Impact and Legacy
H.P. Lovecraft's impact on literature and popular culture is profound. Despite his lack of commercial success during his lifetime, his work has gained a cult following and has been continuously in print since his death. Lovecraft's influence can be seen in the works of modern authors like Stephen King, Neil Gaiman, and Guillermo del Toro, who have all cited him as a significant inspiration.
The themes of cosmic horror and the insignificance of humanity in the universe have permeated various media, including films, video games, and music. Lovecraft's mythos has become a cultural touchstone, with references appearing in everything from tabletop role-playing games to heavy metal music.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
H.P. Lovecraft is widely quoted and remembered for his ability to evoke a sense of awe and terror through his exploration of the unknown. His distinctive style and imaginative world-building have left an indelible mark on the horror genre. Lovecraft's quotes often reflect his philosophical musings on the nature of reality and the limits of human understanding, resonating with those who ponder the mysteries of existence.
Despite the controversies surrounding his personal views, Lovecraft's literary contributions continue to captivate and inspire new generations of readers and creators. His legacy endures as a testament to the power of imagination and the enduring allure of the unknown.
Quotes by H.P. Lovecraft
H.P. Lovecraft's insights on:
Of what use is it to please the herd? They are simply coarse animals – for all that is admirable in man is the artificial product of special breeding.
If we were sensible we would seek death – the same blissful blank which we enjoyed before we existed.
There are not many persons who know what wonders are opened to them in the stories and visions of their youth; for when as children we listen and dream, we think but half-formed thoughts, and when as men we try to remember, we are dulled and prosaic with the poison of life.
It is a mistake to fancy that horror is associated inextricably with darkness, silence, and solitude.
Certainly, we were in one of the strangest, weirdest, and most terrible of all the corners of earth’s globe.
Then came upon an incredible essay by Lafcadio Hearn, something entitled “Gaki,” detailing the curious Japanese belief that insects are really demons or the ghosts of evil men.
One can trace the relics of this former happiness in the trim shapes of the buildings, the occasional graceful churches, and the evidences of original art and background in bits of detail here and there – a worn flight of steps, a wormy pair of decorative columns of pilasters, or a fragment of once green space with bent and rusted iron railing.
Nahum did not send her to the county asylum, but let her wander about the house as long as she was harmless to herself and others. Even when her expression changed he did nothing. But when the boys grew afraid of her, and Thaddeus nearly fainted at the way she made faces at him, he decided to keep her locked in the attic.
Look here, do you know the whole North End once had a set of tunnels that kept certain people in touch with each other’s houses, and the burying ground, and the sea?
I recognized the ugly and unwieldy form of the cook, whose very absurdness had now become unutterably tragic. The.