H.P. Lovecraft`s enduring legacy in horror, marked by his unique blend of cosmic terror, sci-fi/fantasy, and Gothic elements, continues to influence literature, film, and games. His distinctive style is so pervasive that `Lovecraftian` is a common descriptor for similar works. Timeless tales such as The Call of Cthulhu and At the Mountains of Madness remain compelling nearly a century after their debut. Now, enthusiasts can acquire a comprehensive two-volume compilation of his complete works, The H.P. Lovecraft Experience, with a 25% discount available on Amazon.
This meticulously curated two-volume collection was a collaborative effort between The H.P. Lovecraft Historical Society and Weldon Owen (an Insight Editions imprint). Initially priced at $100 upon its August release, The H.P. Lovecraft Experience Deluxe Box Set is currently available for $74.80.
Regarded as perhaps the most impressive Lovecraft collection readily available, this 1,188-page set comprises two elegant, dark green volumes. Bound in leatherette, they evoke the aesthetic of books from Lovecraft`s era, complete with foil-stamped insignias and lettering on their covers and spines.
The H.P. Lovecraft Experience is a definitive compilation, encompassing all of the author`s novels, novellas, short stories, and other writings in one comprehensive collection.
These two volumes are presented within a uniquely sculpted display case, adorned with a new, terrifying 3D depiction of Cthulhu that visually emerges from its surface.
Beyond the main books, the elaborate display box also contains an exclusive new Reader`s Guide. Authored by Sean Branney and Andrew Leman, co-founders of the Lovecraft Historical Society, this guide delves into ten of Lovecraft`s short stories, offering insights valuable to both new and seasoned readers. Its notebook-like size and design complement the main volumes and the overall theme of the collection.
All supplementary materials are themed around Miskatonic University, the fictional Massachusetts institution central to many of Lovecraft`s narratives, particularly those within the Cthulhu Mythos.
Dedicated Lovecraft fans will delight in the Miskatonic University diploma included, meant to be cherished after consulting The Undergraduate Course Book booklet. Additional Miskatonic-themed collectibles in the set feature a bookmark, library card, patch, and decal.
An e-book version of The H.P. Lovecraft Experience is available on Kindle for $20, including both volumes and the Reader`s Guide, though it lacks the physical collectibles and premium presentation of the box set. Important Note: Beware of a counterfeit `paperback edition` listed on Amazon; it is an unofficial, misleading publication not associated with the authentic collection.
More Lovecraft Box Sets & Collections
Given that much of Lovecraft`s oeuvre is in the public domain, numerous horror stories are accessible online for free. While Amazon offers a vast array of Lovecraft collections, the public domain status also means many poorly designed editions exist. The H.P. Lovecraft Experience stands out as a rare, well-produced complete collection, though more budget-friendly, less comprehensive alternatives are available.
For those seeking a more economical choice, The H.P. Lovecraft Collection: 6-Book Deluxe Box Set is a strong contender. This clothbound set features six of Lovecraft`s most celebrated works within a display box. While its aesthetic design is understated, the books are well-crafted. Priced at $35.49 (originally $60) on Amazon, it also qualifies for Amazon`s `Buy 2 Get 1 Free Book Sale` 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 launched The Necronomicon: 5-Book Box Set in paperback in 2021, which compiles Lovecraft`s stories alongside Cthulhu Mythos tales by other authors. This set is available for $23 (down from $40) and is part of the `Buy 2 Get 1 Free` promotion. Additionally, a new 928-page hardcover H.P. Lovecraft Collection with illustrated page edges is slated for release on November 4th at $25 from this publisher.
Consider the Barnes & Noble Collectible Edition of Lovecraft`s Complete Fiction, currently $27 (originally $30). This hardcover boasts a bonded-leather binding, artistic endpapers, and a convenient ribbon bookmark. Barnes & Noble also offers a Collectible Edition of The Complete Cthulhu Mythos Tales for $30.
Another reputable option is The Complete Fiction of H.P. Lovecraft, priced at $14 (down from $18). This 1,112-page hardcover, released by Chartwell Books in 2016, remains a solid choice. Similarly, The Complete Tales of H.P. Lovecraft (Rock Point, 2019) offers comparable content with distinct cover art, available at a similar price point.
H.P. Lovecraft Manga Adaptations
Fans of Lovecraft and horror manga alike should explore the striking manga adaptations of Lovecraft`s stories. Penned and illustrated by Gou Tanabe, with English translation by Zack Davisson, these manga are exquisitely unsettling. As evident from the artwork, Tanabe`s illustrations are truly exceptional.
Dark Horse Manga has already released five Lovecraftian manga adaptations in the US. Highlights include the 288-page The Call of Cthulhu for $16.52 (originally $20) and a 626-page hardcover Deluxe Edition of At the Mountains of Madness for $26.65 (originally $50). The Shadow Out of Time (English translation) is set for a December 23rd release and can be preordered for $22. Current English adaptations include:
- 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)