Supernatural Horror in Literature

by H.P. Lovecraft, Howard Phillips Lovecraft (in Danish), Howard Phillips Lovecraft

Book Overview

Great modern American supernaturalist brilliantly surveys history of genre to 1930s, summarizing, evaluating scores of books, including works by Poe, Bierce, M.R. James, ""Monk"" Lewis, many others. Praised by critics as diverse as Edmund Wilson and Vincent Starrett. New introduction by E. F. Bleiler.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0486201058
• ISBN13: 9780486201054
• Release Date: June 1973
• Publisher: Dover Publications
• Length: 128 Pages
• Weight: 0.30 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 5.3" x 8.4"

Customer Reviews

Too often overlooked study of literary horror

Many other Lovecraft aficiandos I'm acquainted with mention this book in sort of embarrassed, humorous tones. It is, they say, H.P. Lovecraft's purely subjective enthusiasms for certain writers and nothing more. But this study is far more than a novelty, or an interesting peek into the mind of an exceedingly strange man. If anyone ever did, H.P. Lovecraft knew horror from the inside out; and the racism notwithstanding (there is a disclaimer on the back of the book, so if it really bothers you that much, DON'T BUY IT) Lovecraft's assessments of Poe, Benson, Bierce and some other greats are so hard hitting and effective BECAUSE they are indeed so subjective. And I don't think it's asking too much to simply ignore when he goes on a rant about how this or that writer had "good blood", or came from this or that race. Lovecraft's prejudice is abundantly clear in the most celebrated of his works, so one must assume the Lovecraftian has already transcended this idiosyncratic nonsense to find the all pervasive feeling of dread at the bottom of his work. If you're going to write horror, forget all the petty qualms people have with this little gem, and read it more than once.

Masterpiece of Critical Scholarship

If there was one thing that H.P. Lovecraft detested, it was the tendency of scholars to focus on just a few leading figures in a subject and ignore the rest. Certainly, if he were still alive, he would be in a state of consternation over the fact that so many academic studies have been written about him while his contemporary Clark Ashton Smith has been ignored.Lovecraft's own piece of scholarship on the supernatural, Supernatural Horror in Literature, does not commit this cardinal sin despite its short length. This book reveals the wide spectrum of the horror genre. It also set the standard for scholarship in horror literature. Lovecraft was a pioneer in the field of horror studies. This book set the standard for both thorough research and perceptive analysis. As such it is a masterpiece of critical scholarship that is must reading for all horror fans.

Best short-account of Supernatural Literature ever written

Yes, do not doubt it. In this thin booklet reprinted by Dover you will find a fine and most pleasant reading on the history of the most reknown and famed names that built up the literature of Horror, by the hand of the celebrated and controversial master of Cosmic or Materialist Terror, Howard Phillips Lovecraft, to whom some regard as the successor of Edgar A. Poe in North American horror-tales tradition. This short essay of his is one of his most commendable titles, even recommended by many of those who consider him a "second-rate" author. This booklet will make you to think otherwise. If you are interested in learning easily and pleasantly about this kind of literature-genre, do not doubt it, buy this one right now.

Student becomes the Master

HP Lovecraft was a serious student of the work done within his chosen genre, and this book is evidence. Though written long, long ago, and discussing some works that are long (and undeservedly)-forgotten, the tenets that the Old Gent sets forth in this treatise still hold true to this day. Anyone seeking to work within the horror genre MUST have it. Those who wish to further their understanding of that genre, or of the Cthulhu Mythos specifically, SHOULD have it. The book itself is well-written in HPLs inimitable florid style, slim, and easily digestible, with the chapters clearly marked off so that you can take your time chewing on the concepts discussed therein.

get it

All I have to say is, if you want a study about the history of horror from a man who knew what he was taking about at THIS RIDICULOUS LOW PRICE, get it now! No university should be without it.