The horror literary genre has been shaped and transformed by numerous masters over the years, but few have left as indelible a mark as Howard Phillips Lovecraft, commonly known as H.P. Lovecraft. This American author, born in 1890, was a pioneer of cosmic horror, a subgenre that explores the insignificance of humanity in a vast and often hostile universe, populated by ancient entities and incomprehensible beings. His writings, filled with ominous atmosphere and indescribable creatures, have inspired generations of readers, writers, and creators of all kinds.

Here we present a list of ten essential works by Lovecraft, which offer a fascinating and terrifying glimpse into his literary universe:

At the Mountains of Madness

In this novel, a scientific expedition to Antarctica discovers alien ruins and horrible beings that defy human understanding.

The Shadow over Innsmouth

This lengthy tale narrates a man's visit to a fishing town in New England, where he discovers terrible secrets about its inhabitants and their connection to ancestral aquatic beings.

The Case of Charles Dexter Ward

The story follows a young man's investigation into the life of his ancestor, an 18th-century alchemist, and the horrible truths he uncovers about the dark practice of necromancy.

The Dunwich Horror

In this tale, a cursed rural town in Massachusetts is threatened by the arrival of a terrifying cosmic being that unleashes chaos and madness.

The Colour Out of Space

A mysterious meteorite falls on a farm, bringing with it an indescribable color and a malevolent influence over the land and its inhabitants.

The Call of Cthulhu

Considered one of Lovecraft's most emblematic works, this tale follows a man's investigation into ancient cults and the existence of a cosmic and evil being called Cthulhu.

At the Mountains of Madness

Repeating the aforementioned novel, this tale follows a scientific expedition to Antarctica that discovers alien ruins and horrible beings.

Herbert West–Reanimator

This tale follows a doctor's macabre experiments in reanimating the dead, and the terrifying consequences of his actions.

The Whisperer in Darkness

A researcher encounters extraterrestrial entities in a remote region of Vermont, in this tale that explores paranoia and fear of the unknown.

The Music of Erich Zann

A university student discovers the unsettling music of a mysterious violinist, triggering a series of supernatural and terrifying events.

These works represent just a small sample of the vast and dark literary cosmos created by H.P. Lovecraft. His writings continue to intrigue and disturb readers to this day, reminding us of the fragility of our understanding of the universe and the terrifying possibility of the unknown. If you are willing to delve into the world of cosmic horror, Lovecraft is definitely an indispensable guide.