Books Like...
'The Thing on the Doorstep and Other Weird Stories' by H.P. Lovecraft is a brilliantly written and often super scary collection of some of Lovecraft's best work. The stories in this collection delve into horror and the occult, featuring doomed characters confronting cosmic horrors. The book includes iconic tales such as 'The Dunwich Horror', 'The Music of Erich Zann', and 'The Case of Charles Dexter Ward', showcasing Lovecraft's unique writing style that creates an enveloping atmosphere of dread. Readers are taken on a journey through Lovecraft's fantastical narratives, exploring themes of mystery, arcane arts, and the supernatural.
The stories in this collection are arranged in chronological order, allowing readers to witness Lovecraft's growth as a writer and his control over various prose styles. Lovecraft's writing is often described as poetic, dreamlike, and precise, immersing readers in eerie and dark realms. The book not only presents classic horror tales but also provides insights into Lovecraft's imagination and his ability to blend genres like fantasy, horror, and science fiction. With intricate plots, mysterious characters, and chilling themes, 'The Thing on the Doorstep and Other Weird Stories' offers readers a glimpse into Lovecraft's macabre and captivating storytelling.
If you liked The Thing on the Doorstep and Other Weird Stories, here are the top 30 books to read next:
'The Dreams in the Witch House & Other Weird Stories' by H.P. Lovecraft, S.T. Joshi is a collection of weird fiction stories that delve into the Dream Cycle, inspired by Lord Dunsaney's fantasy fictions. The stories in this volume include a mix of cosmic horrors and Dunsanian pieces, showcasing Lovecraft's unique writing style and imaginative storytelling. Readers are taken on a journey through eerie settings, encountering characters like the witch Keziah, the rat man Brown Jenkins, and the ominous Black Man, each adding a layer of mystery and horror to the narratives. Lovecraft's prose transports readers to a world where ancient folklore, multi-dimensional realities, and strange beings converge, creating an atmosphere of tension and fear.
Into the north window of my chamber glows the Pole Star with uncanny light. All through the long hellish hours of blackness it shines there. And in the autumn of the year, when the winds from the nort...The 'Call of Cthulhu and Other Weird Stories' by H.P. Lovecraft is a collection of spine-chilling classical horror stories that delve into mythical beasts, otherworldly terrors, and the eerie unknown. Lovecraft's writing style is described as droll and tedious yet pays off in creating a creepy atmosphere that is perfect for fans of Poe and those who enjoy cerebral horror fiction. The stories feature a blend of gothic elements, cosmic horror, and Lovecraft's unique mythology, making them stand out in the horror genre.
I am writing this under an appreciable mental strain, since by tonight I shall be no more. Penniless, and at the end of my supply of the drug which alone makes life endurable, I can bear the torture n...- #3
"The Thing on the Doorstep" by H.P. Lovecraft is a tale of terror that delves into psychological and magical dimensions of consciousness, personal identity, and personality through the major theme of mind transference. The story follows the narrator, Daniel Upton, and his friend Edward Derby as they spiral down into horror, leading to a climactic encounter with the thing on the doorstep. Lovecraft skillfully crafts a haunting narrative filled with Lovecraftian motifs and vivid, singular language, taking the reader on a journey through dark pits of horror with each step occurring within a deftly created atmosphere.
It is true that I have sent six bullets through the head of my best friend, and yet I hope to shew by this statement that I am not his murderer. At first I shall be called a madman—madder than the man... 'The New Annotated H.P. Lovecraft' is a comprehensive collection of Lovecraft's stories presented in an authoritative edition with enlightening annotations. The volume includes historical and geographical data, photographs, and illustrations from the original publications or film productions, providing a fuller experience for readers. The writing style is described as having a singular, iconic vision by Lovecraft, although some readers felt that the writing did not always match the grand ideas presented, with a lot of telling rather than showing.
The change happened whilst I slept. Its details I shall never know; for my slumber, though troubled and dream-infested, was continuous. When at last I awaked, it was to discover myself half sucked int...- #5
'H.P. Lovecraft: A Life' by S.T. Joshi and Jason C. Eckhardt is a comprehensive biography that delves into the life and legacy of the legendary author Howard Phillips Lovecraft. The book provides insights into Lovecraft's impact on the weird fiction genre, addressing his overt racism while making a strong case for the value of his work. Through engaging storytelling, the biography explores Lovecraft's evolution as a writer, focusing on his tales of supernatural horror and their influence on subsequent weird literature.
The biography not only offers a detailed account of Lovecraft's life but also serves as a tribute to his literary contributions. Readers are taken on a journey through Lovecraft's works, with a focus on his tales of supernatural horror and their significance in shaping the weird tradition. S.T. Joshi's writing style is described as funny, revealing, and sympathetic, providing a well-rounded portrayal of Lovecraft that captivates fans and curious readers alike.
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'The Dreams in the Witch House' by H.P. Lovecraft is a collection of short stories that delve into themes of cosmic horror, supernatural terror, and high fantasy. The book includes tales that explore Lovecraft's unique writing style which often involves intricate world-building, mysterious ancient civilizations, and the insignificance of humankind in the vast cosmos. The stories are known for their vivid descriptions of otherworldly landscapes and the horrors that lurk within them, inviting readers to explore the darker corners of the imagination.
The book features a mix of high fantasy influenced by Lord Dunsany, cosmic horror from the Cthulhu Mythology, and more general supernatural horror. Lovecraft's writing style is described as florid and complex, requiring multiple readings to fully grasp the depth of his narratives. The collection also includes valuable notes and introductions by scholar S.T. Joshi, providing insights into Lovecraft's inspirations, influences, and the real-world connections woven into his tales.
Whether the dreams brought on the fever or the fever brought on the dreams Walter Gilman did not know. Behind everything crouched the brooding, festering horror of the ancient town, and of the mouldy,... 'The Dark Eidolon and Other Fantasies' by S.T. Joshi, Clark Ashton Smith is a collection of short stories, prose poetry, and poetry by the author. The book showcases Smith's dark fantasy fiction style, filled with exotic language, mind-bending locations, and staggering imagination. The stories range from horror to fantasy, with some echoing the cosmic horror genre popularized by Lovecraft. Smith's writing style is described as intricate, complex, and filled with older vocabulary, offering a unique reading experience to those who enjoy delving into the fantastical worlds he creates.
Smith’s earliest book publications were volumes of poetry. The volumes of poetry published in his lifetime have been cited in the Introduction. After his death, his literary executor, Roy A. Squires, ...- #8
'The Music of Erich Zann' by H.P. Lovecraft is a short story that falls into the genre of cosmic horror. The story revolves around Erich Zann, a mysterious musician who plays haunting melodies on his violin to keep eldritch abominations at bay from entering our world. The narrative is described as short, sweet, and terrifying, with a focus on the eerie and creepy atmosphere created by Zann's music. Lovecraft's writing style in this story is praised for its imagery and perfect prose, making it a good introduction to the concept of cosmic horror.
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'The Shunned House' by H.P. Lovecraft is a novella that revolves around an actual house in Providence, Rhode Island, which has a dark history of causing sickness and death to those who reside in it. The story follows a doctor and his nephew who become fascinated with the house and decide to spend a night there to uncover the source of its evil. The writing style is described as eerie, with a scientific and materialistic approach to battling the supernatural entity haunting the house.
Project Gutenberg's The Shunned House, by Howard Phillips Lovecraft This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or... - #10
M.R. James's 'Collected Ghost Stories' is a hefty volume of chilling tales that explore the eerie intersection of the academic world and supernatural occurrences. Set mostly in England, these stories often feature subtle, implied horror rooted in historical artifacts and manuscripts. James's writing style is elegant and understated, creating an atmosphere of lurking menace and dread that is both captivating and chilling. The stories range from encounters with ghosts in English manors to disturbing discoveries of haunted objects, all masterfully crafted to evoke a sense of unease and fear.
ST. BERTRAND DE COMMINGES* is a decayed town on the spurs of the Pyrenees, not very far from Toulouse, and still nearer to Bagnères-de-Luchon. It was the site of a bishopric until the Revolution, and ...