The Call of Cthulhu and Other Weird Stories

by H. P. Lovecraft
The Call of Cthulhu and Other Weird Stories cover
Good Books rating 4.17
Horror
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Hardback • £29.99
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  • ID: 7691
  • Added: 2025-12-16
  • Updated: 2025-12-31
  • Publisher: ببلومانيا للنشر والتوزيع
  • Published: 2024-02-20
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

H.P. Lovecraft's 'The Call of Cthulhu and Other Weird Stories' is a definitive collection of the author's most haunting and influential works. This volume showcases Lovecraft's unique ability to blend cosmic terror with mesmerizing narrative style, establishing him as a visionary American writer. The stories within this collection, from the early tales of madness to the overpowering cosmic horror of 'The Call of Cthulhu,' reveal the development of Lovecraft's distinctive voice and his profound impact on the horror genre. /n/n Frequently imitated and widely influential, Lovecraft's fiction discards traditional ghosts and witches, instead envisioning mankind as a tiny outpost of dwindling sanity in a chaotic and malevolent universe. This collection, curated by S. T. Joshi, Lovecraft's preeminent interpreter, offers a comprehensive look at the master's work, highlighting his contributions to literature and his enduring legacy in the field of horror. With more than seventy years of Penguin Classics' expertise, this volume provides authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars, making it a must-read for fans of classic horror and literary fiction.

Reviews
Reddit - r/Lovecraft · 2025-12-16
great 4.00

The edition is praised for its insightful explanatory notes by ST Joshi. However, it is noted that it is not a complete collection of Lovecraft's best works.

The reviewer finds this edition of Lovecraft's stories to be excellent, particularly appreciating the insightful explanatory notes by ST Joshi. These notes provide valuable context and enhance the reading experience. However, the reviewer also points out that this collection is not comprehensive and does not include all of Lovecraft's best works. Despite this, the stories included are seen as a great introduction to Lovecraft's unique style and themes. The reviewer recommends this edition for both new and experienced readers of Lovecraft's work.

Quick quotes

    Yes it's a great edition in my opinion.

    The explanatory notes by ST Joshi are really insightful.

    Obviously it isn't a complete collection and some of his best stories are missing.

Cat Shelf · 2017-01-12
good 4.00

The collection is noted for its suspenseful and original stories. The reviewer emphasizes the importance of feeling driving the plot.

The reviewer appreciates the suspenseful and original nature of the stories in this collection. They believe that the emotional depth and the way feelings drive the plot are crucial elements that make these stories compelling. The reviewer also highlights the unique and weird aspects of Lovecraft's writing, which set his work apart from other horror writers of his time. Overall, the collection is seen as a significant contribution to the horror genre, with stories that are both thought-provoking and emotionally engaging.

Quick quotes

    Suspenseful stories that were weird and original.

    Feeling should drive the plot and not the other way around.

    The emotional depth and the way feelings drive the plot are crucial elements.

Jeroen's Thoughts · 2016-04-02
excellent 4.50

The Call of Cthulhu is praised for its world-building and is considered a classic. The story lays the foundation for the Mythos and is seen as an excellent piece of literature.

The reviewer highlights the story's world-building as a standout feature, making it a classic in the horror genre. They appreciate the depth and originality of the Mythos, which sets the stage for the entire collection. The story is seen as a cornerstone of Lovecraft's work, showcasing his unique ability to create a sense of cosmic horror. The reviewer also notes the story's enduring influence on the genre, making it a must-read for fans of weird fiction.

Quick quotes

    The Call of Cthulhu is a classic story by now and an excellent piece of world-building.

    It lays down the whole background of the Mythos about gods from outer space.

    The horror is conceptual and abstract, but rarely grounded in anything that feels human.

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