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623 ratings, 4.25 average rating, 37 reviews
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published
September 11th 1995
(first published 1987)
by Ballantine
binding
Paperback, 400 pages
isbn
0345384210
(isbn13: 9780345384218)
description
copyrights from 1943 to 1993.
several fantasies inspired by Lord Dunsany and other stories. Introduction by Neil Gaiman (author of the Sandman com...more
several fantasies inspired by Lord Dunsany and other stories. Introduction by Neil Gaiman (author of the Sandman com...more
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other reviews (showing 1-20 of 766)
Read in September, 2008
Let's be frank -- I love Lovecraft. The "Necronomicon" that you've heard referenced a zillion times is a fictional tome of his invention. He was writing in the 1930's, and his work is dated by its slow pacing, Poe-like vocabulary, and predictability (now that he's fathered the entire horror genre -- nearly every successful writer from Neil Gaiman to Stephen King cites him as an influence -- and its tropes are so recognizable to us). But Lovecraft's style is entirely singular, so muc...more
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so,
it's Lovecraft and all the surmise on his personal life and beliefs aside, this guy is twisted, dark, macabre(and you really don't get to use this word very often), and writes like no other and I love it. To all that have that streak of Cure listening, black wearing(and who doesn't in PDX), ruminations on a bleak death this is for you. I respectfully, religiously give this tome a read during the first storms of fall around Halloween. Not for the faint of heart.
it's Lovecraft and all the surmise on his personal life and beliefs aside, this guy is twisted, dark, macabre(and you really don't get to use this word very often), and writes like no other and I love it. To all that have that streak of Cure listening, black wearing(and who doesn't in PDX), ruminations on a bleak death this is for you. I respectfully, religiously give this tome a read during the first storms of fall around Halloween. Not for the faint of heart.
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Read in October, 2007
My first real foray into Lovecraft. While some of the stories are disposable, many are quite good and some are excellent (Pickman's Model, The Dream Quest of Unknown Kadath, and The Case of Charles Dexter Ward stand out). I feel, after reading this, that my plans of living a hermetic life and indulging in strange pursuits are justified.
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recommends it for:
All horror lovers
H.P Lovecraft is the God of horror. The imagination this man possessed is incomparable even to this day. "Dreams of Terror and Death" will suck you in with its mind blowing worlds, repugnant creatures, and heart stopping verse. Lovecraft terrifies his readers with his heart pounding mysticism with some of his most recognized stories (included in this book of course) 'The Doom that Came to Sarnath', 'The Nameless City', 'The Cats of Ulthar', and many more. This is a must ...more
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The Grandfather of Horror has some great ones. From the Mountains of Madness and Call of Cthulu to my fav. the Shadow over Innsmouth, Lovecraft paints a bleak picture of doom fated man left bereft and tiny against the the mighty expanse of huge, deathless space. Lots of interesting points could be made in the same vein of Shelly's Frankenstein, but regardless, the stories rock like a good death metal guitar solo.
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Read in October, 2007
Lovecraft is great but I think perhaps in small doses since his writing style does not often vary and his subjects are all very similar. This book is enjoyable especially following the tales of Randolph Carter, however, the stories are rife with darkness and misanthropy. If you are looking for uplifting themes look elsewhere. His ideas of reality are very interesting, however.
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Read in January, 2007
recommends it for:
Anyone who appreciates great horror
Lovecraft has been the inspiration for a variety of horror writers over the years ranging from Robert Bloch to Stephen King. He is the master of implied terror. You will find no slashers to stalkers here. Just the eerie knowledge that there are things out there beyond our understanding and that will keep you up at night.
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recommends it for:
moody teens
Read this back in highschool, pretty much the only Lovecraft I've ever read. That age was probably the high-water mark for my interest in Lovecraft, and it was probably for the best that I read this particular collection, which focuses on the surreal/fantastic side of Lovecraft, rather than his mytho-horror side.
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This was my introduction to Mr. Lovecraft's mythos. While a bit pulpy at times, I think its periodic novelty stints draw you deeper into the darkness of Lovecraft's universe. I thoroughly understand his cult following. Consider me an acolyte. I've heeded the call of Cthulhu.
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Read in March, 2007
This book is a collection of Lovecraft's most well know stories that take place during his Dream Cycle. I give this a 4 out of 5 simply because Lovecraft's Dream Cycle stories aren't my favorites, though they still carry everything disturbing over from the Mythos collection.
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Read in August, 2006
Classic tales from Lovecraft's lesser-known "Dreamlands" series. While more fantasy than horror (Lovecraft and Robert E. Howard, creator of Conan, were correspondents and friends), elements of the Cthulhu mythos still appear. Lovecraft's imagination is unmatched to this day.
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The older language in this book made it a bit hard to read; wouldn't have been a problem if the stories themselves were more interesting. Lovecraft has a wonderful imagination, but I am de-sensitized by my self-inflicted over-exposure to horror and gore.
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Read in January, 1999
A valiant attempt at putting the dream-quest stories in order. The problem is, they weren't written in order, and Lovecraft adjusted his tales accordingly. It's not necessary to read them in chronological order to "get it". Nice thought, though.
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Read in October, 2008
This was my introduction to Lovecraft. There are some very good stories in this book, but unfortunately, some of them were also tedious to me. I will probably read other Lovecraft in the future, but I cannot say that this is a favorite.
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My favorite collections of lovecraft stories. Much more Fantasy/Sci-Fi with plenty of Thriller. His descriptions of dream-like states and consciousness are amazing. Dream Quest of Unknown Kadath is a favorite story.
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This is probably my favorite collection of Lovecraft's work (or his work exclusively anyway), in that it focuses on his "dream cycle," which is probably his most interesting and haunting work as a writer.
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Read in January, 1999
Another excellent collection from H.P. Lovecraft. His Dream Worlds are such a fascinating creation. He has the ability to combine dreaminess with sharp terror and menace. Don't ask me how...the man's a genius.
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Read in January, 2004
Oh HELL yes.
One of the creepiest styles of writing I've encountered, ever, but I guess that's Lovecraft for you! Amazing stories in here, although a bit hard to get through if you're used to fast-moving novels.
One of the creepiest styles of writing I've encountered, ever, but I guess that's Lovecraft for you! Amazing stories in here, although a bit hard to get through if you're used to fast-moving novels.
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Blood chilling and fritening. This book isn't realy one that you should read at night. Lovecraft's ability to write such terrifing storys is awsome and phsyco all at the same time its pretty kewlio.
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The "Dreams" stuff isn't as cool to me as the other stuff, but it is all still very "Lovecraft", so it's well worth checking out. (I always suggest Mountains of Madness first, though.)
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