A Comprehensive Guide to H.P. Lovecraft's Complete Works

Herbert Ogden Lovecraft (H.P. Lovecraft) was a prolific American writer renowned for his contributions to the genres of weird fiction and horror. His extensive body of work includes numerous short stories, novellas, essays, and collaborations. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview of his major works, including their publication dates and contextual significance.

Major Short Stories and Novellas

Lovecraft's short stories and novellas encompass a rich range of cosmic and supernatural horror narratives, which have contributed significantly to the development of the weird fiction genre. Here is a list of his major works:

The Call of Cthulhu - 1928 At the Mountains of Madness - 1936 The Shadow Over Innsmouth - 1931 The Dunwich Horror - 1929 The Colour Out of Space - 1927 The Whisperer in Darkness - 1931 The Shadow Out of Time - 1934 The Dreams in the Witch House - 1932 The Haunter of the Dark - 1935 The Outsider - 1926 The Thing on the Doorstep - 1933 The Music of Erich Zann - 1922 The Rats in the Walls - 1924 The Case of Charles Dexter Ward - 1927 The Silver Key - 1926 The Evil Clergyman - 1933

Poetry

Beyond his prose, Lovecraft also contributed a few poems to various journals, showcasing his varied literary talent:

Fungi from Yuggoth - 1930 The Outsider - 1926 (reprinted as a short story in 1929)

Collaborations

Literary collaborations played a significant role in Lovecraft's body of work. One notable collaboration is:

The Mound - with Zealia Bishop, 1929

Literary collaborations also included:

The Shadow Out of Time - published with several other authors

Contributions to Weird Tales Magazine

Lovecraft's involvement with Weird Tales extended beyond authorship. His contributions to the magazine included various articles and essays:

Supernatural Horror in Literature - 1927 Notes on Writing Weird Fiction - 1930

Complete Collections

Lovercraft's complete works have been compiled into multiple collections and editions, allowing enthusiasts to enjoy his comprehensive body of work:

The Complete Fiction of H.P. Lovecraft The Dream-Quest of Unknown Kadath The Lovecraft Compendium

Availability and Editions

Despite no single volume containing all of Lovecraft's stories, several publishers have released comprehensive collections. Below are details of some notable editions:

Barnes and Noble Edition

This edition contains over 60 stories and includes additional material such as:

Lovecraft's juvenilia A discarded draft of "The Shadow Over Innsmouth" Reprints of the essay "Supernatural Horror in Literature" Note by S.T. Joshi

Knickerbocker Classics Edition

This edition is similar to the Barnes and Noble version with identical appendices and the same introduction by Eric Carl Link.

Chartwell Classics Edition

Known for its cost-effectiveness, the Chartwell Classics edition offers the same content as the Knickerbocker Classics edition.

Influence and Legacy

H.P. Lovecraft's works have had a profound impact on both horror literature and popular culture. His unique mythos, which is often referred to as the "Cthulhu Mythos," continues to inspire numerous writers, filmmakers, and artists.

Current Recomendations

For those seeking a comprehensive collection, the Barnes and Noble edition is recommended due to its additional material. However, the Chartwell Classics edition is the most cost-effective option while still offering a complete set of Lovecraft's works. Additionally, Mr. Zehnder's Book Review: The Complete Fiction of H.P. Lovecraft on the YouTube channel Arkham Reporter provides a great comparison of the various editions and editions, offering valuable insights for readers.

For those interested in specific stories or recommendations based on their interests, feel free to ask!