The complete fiction of H.P. Lovecraft is pretty much that;complete.Missing only one Story which was "In the walls of Eryx" co-written by Lovecraft and Kenneth J. Sterling. The complete works embodies Lovecraft's progression as a writer and fills his mythos well. The only complaint I could find is some earlier works do not stand the test of time or hold well. However having to find other compilations would no longer be needed. For those into noir horror, epic monsters, and the diminished mind seeing the unspeakable terrors and having to rationalize the fear, this is a great book. With some being into lovecraftian lore from gaming, other authors, or even the creepypasta craze, and not reading the original works: buy it now. No other book covers as much. Every other book will have most of the popular selections, not all. At the price you cannot go wrong.There is a warning with this: please buy the second printing. The first has many spelling errors, all of which were fixed in the second printing. The noticeable difference is the cloth bookmark. Gold for first print, purple for second. Indispensable for serious fans. Lovecraft was a tireless writer who covered a little more territory than he is generally given credit for. "The Shadow Over Innsmouth" is a fine example of Lovecraft's ability to merge his sharp observation and engaging knowledge of his native New England with his outrageous imagination. The fate of the protagonist, while horrifying in typical Lovecraft fashion, is also truly sad and moving.While many stories follow a predictable, well worn groove (the horrified protagonist declares his horror upon discovering the horrifying truth of some ancient horror)the gems polished by the abrading action of these efforts are some of the most satisfying short stories of any genre. "The Strange High House in the Mist" immediately became one of my all time favorites when I first read it in the 70's and time has taken nothing away from it. "He" did not seem particularly original or striking until I read it in the light of the editor's assertion that it reflected Lovecraft's unhappy experience with life in New York City. This awareness added a human element rarely, if ever, associated with Lovecraft and I suspect such an element may be hiding in other stories as well.Overshadowed by Lovecraft's reputation as a master of horror is his unique contribution as a science fiction visionary. There are no supernatural elements in his stories. None. All of his horrifying creations are creatures of an incomprehensible but strictly materialistic science.Last but not least is Lovecraft's facility as a lyrical, poetic fantasist. I was surprised to find that many of these stories were rejected for publication. That's too bad; I think they may be his most honest works, revealing the dreams and longings of a notoriously atheistic materialist trapped in a brutish world. They are more beautiful than his horror is horrifying.
What do You think about The Complete Fiction (2011)?
Amazing author, can't believe I never read Lovecraft before. The Call of Cthulu is my favorite^_^
—avesancho
