H.P. Lovecraft`s iconic horror narratives have profoundly influenced literature, cinema, television, and gaming. His distinctive style, which merges cosmic dread, scientific fantasy, and Gothic backdrops with a pervasive sense of the unsettling and bizarre, is so unique that `Lovecraftian` is now a widely recognized descriptor for works drawing inspiration from his universe. Even a century after their initial release, tales such as The Call of Cthulhu and At the Mountains of Madness remain compelling. All of Lovecraft`s works have been compiled into a magnificent two-volume set, titled `The H.P. Lovecraft Experience,` which is currently available with a 25% discount.
This extensive two-volume collection was created through a collaboration between The H.P. Lovecraft Historical Society and Weldon Owen, a division of Insight Editions. Initially released in August with a retail price of $100, `The H.P. Lovecraft Experience Deluxe Box Set` is currently priced at $74.80.
The H.P. Lovecraft Experience Deluxe Box Set (Hardcover)
This collection is arguably the most visually impressive Lovecraft set available from major booksellers. It features 1,188 pages across two elegant, dark green hardbound volumes, crafted in leatherette to evoke the style of period-appropriate high-quality books. Both the covers and spines are adorned with foil-stamped designs and typography.
The `H.P. Lovecraft Experience` encompasses all of Lovecraft`s literary output, serving as a definitive compendium of his novels, novellas, short stories, and other works.
The two books are housed within an intricately sculpted display case that showcases a striking new 3D rendition of Cthulhu, its form emerging from the case`s surface to enhance the cosmic entity`s terrifying presence.
Beyond the books, this expansive display box also contains additional items. The H.P. Lovecraft Historical Society has developed an exclusive Reader`s Guide, which delves into ten of Lovecraft`s short stories. Authored by Sean Branney and Andrew Leman, co-founders of the Society, this guide offers valuable insights for both new and seasoned readers. Designed to complement the main volumes, the Reader`s Guide is presented in a notebook-like format, aligning with the collection`s overall thematic aesthetic.
All supplementary materials are themed around Miskatonic University, the fictional Massachusetts institution central to many of Lovecraft`s narratives, particularly those involving Cthulhu.
Devoted Lovecraft enthusiasts will appreciate the included Miskatonic University diploma, ideal for framing after reviewing `The Undergraduate Course Book,` a small accompanying booklet. Further Miskatonic-themed memorabilia in the set includes a bookmark, a library card, a patch, and a decal.
A digital Kindle ebook version of `The H.P. Lovecraft Experience` is also available for $20. While this digital option foregoes the physical collectibles and luxurious presentation, it still provides access to both volumes and the Reader`s Guide. Please be aware: a `paperback edition` listed by some retailers claiming to be `The H.P. Lovecraft Experience` is not genuine; it`s a self-published imitation and should be avoided.
Further Lovecraft Box Sets & Anthologies
As much of H.P. Lovecraft’s bibliography resides in the public domain, numerous horror stories are freely accessible online. However, the abundance of Lovecraft compilations can be overwhelming, particularly given that the public domain status permits a myriad of poorly produced editions. `The H.P. Lovecraft Experience` stands out as a rare, well-designed collection of the author’s complete works. While more budget-friendly alternatives exist, they often lack the comprehensive scope.
One commendable economical choice is `The H.P. Lovecraft Collection: 6-Book Deluxe Box Set.` This set features clothbound editions of six prominent Lovecraft works within a presentation box. Although the artwork and cover aesthetics are modest, the books themselves are durably constructed. Currently, it`s available for $35.49 (originally $60) and is part of a `Buy 2, Get 1 Free` book promotion until October 11. The included titles are:
- At the Mountains of Madness
- The Dunwich Horror
- The Call of Cthulhu
- The Shadow over Innsmouth
- Polaris
- The Color Out of Space
- Rats in the Walls
The same publisher also released `The Necronomicon: 5-Book Box Set` in paperback in 2021, featuring stories by Lovecraft and other Cthulhu Mythos authors. This set is priced at $23 (down from $40) and also qualifies for the `Buy 2, Get 1 Free` offer. Anticipate another release from this publisher: a 928-page hardcover `H.P. Lovecraft Collection` with illustrated page edges, set to launch on November 4 for $25.
Another highly recommended option is the Barnes & Noble Collectible Edition of Lovecraft`s `Complete Fiction,` priced at $27 (reduced from $30). This elegant hardcover boasts a bonded-leather binding, distinctive illustrated endpapers, and a convenient ribbon bookmark. Barnes & Noble additionally offers a Collectible Edition of `The Complete Cthulhu Mythos Tales` for $30. For those seeking another reputable edition, `The Complete Fiction of H.P. Lovecraft,` a 1,112-page hardcover from Chartwell Books (2016), remains an excellent choice at $14 (originally $18). `The Complete Tales of H.P. Lovecraft,` published by Rock Point in 2019, is largely identical but features more striking cover art and is available at a comparable price point.
H.P. Lovecraft Manga Adaptations
Enthusiasts of Lovecraft and horror manga will find much to appreciate in the manga adaptations of Lovecraft`s stories. Penned and illustrated by Gou Tanabe, with English translations by Zack Davisson, these manga volumes possess a captivatingly eerie beauty. As evident from the cover art, Tanabe`s visual interpretations are truly remarkable. Dark Horse Manga has released five Lovecraft manga adaptations in the US so far, including a 288-page version of The Call of Cthulhu for $16.52 (originally $20) and At the Mountains of Madness, available as a 626-page hardcover Deluxe Edition for $26.65 (down from $50). The English rendition of The Shadow Out of Time is slated for release on December 23 and can be preordered for $22.
- At the Mountains of Madness Deluxe Edition (Hardcover) — $26.65 (
$50) - The Shadow Out of Time (Paperback) — $22 | Releases December 23
- The Colour Out of Space (Paperback) — $12.74 (
$15) - The Call of Cthulhu (Paperback) — $16.52 (
$20) - The Shadow Over Innsmouth (Paperback) — $19.67 (
$30) - The Hound and Other Stories (Paperback) — $14 (
$15) - At the Mountains of Madness Vol. 1 (Paperback) — $16.12 (
$20) - At the Mountains of Madness Vol. 2 (Paperback) — $15.40 (
$20)