Customer Reviews: Read 5 more reviews...
 a must read... Enter a weird but wonderful world... but some english mistakes August 3, 2006
Ms. P. J. Williams
0 out of 7 found this review helpful
this book is a must read especially to gothic readers... The book uses lovely vocabulary but features some english mistakes where h.p doesnt use the right word to describe what hes trying to... but forgetting that... IT IS A MUSTTT READDDDDD!
THE KING OF GOTHIC STORIES!
 Essential reading June 30, 2004
17 out of 19 found this review helpful
This, the final volume of a trilogy that contains almost all of Lovecraft's works, proves the old adage of leaving the best until last. Here, in one book, can be found 14 of the finest stories by one of horror's most influential writers.It is difficult to single out any one tale for special praise. "The Call of Cthulhu" is probably his most famous work, and rightly so, for it excellently captures the essence of his genius in a story that can be read in less than an hour. "The Colour Out of Space" was said by the author to be, in his opinion, the best work that he had ever written, and he was not overestimating. "The Dunwich Horror", "The Whisperer in Darkness", "The Thing on the Doorstep", "The Shadow Over Innsmouth" and "The Shadow Out of Time" are all superb, and are sure to earn a special place in the memory. Of those remaining, "The Rats in the Walls", "Pickman's Model", "The Haunter of the Dark" and "The Lurking Fear" are very good, and certainly reccomended. Such is the quality of this collection, that the remaining three stories, "The Outsider", "The Music of Eric Zahn" and "The Picture in the House" are still quality reads, and should not disappoint. If you like horror, buy this book. If you have a casual interest in horror, buy this book. If you've never read a horror story in your life, buy this book. It is without doubt the finest collection of work from one of the greatest writers in the genre, and could not come more highly recommended.
 One for the Lovecraft fans only June 30, 2004
3 out of 8 found this review helpful
This, the second in the trilogy that contains almost all of Lovecraft's work, is the weakest of the three. It is comprised entirely of his shortest stories, most of which were written at the start of his literary career. It was at this time that he was heavily influenced by Dunsey's dream works, and, as such, they often lack the gritty realism of his later stories that makes the supernatural horror all the more unsettling when it is finally revealed.A total of 37 short stories are included in this volume. Of these, "Dagon", "From Beyond", "Herbet West - Reanimator", "The Hound", "Imprisoned with the Pharohs" and "The Horror at Red Hook" are probably the best. Also worth a look are "Arthur Jermyn", "The Unnamable", "The Evil Clergyman", "The Beast in the Cave" and "The Alchemist". The rest are much of a muchness, and range from average to downright unreadable. The surprise bonus comes in the form of a long essay on supernatural horror in literature, which follows the progress of such stories from their beginnings to the author's day. An interesting addition, which really helps to raise the quality of the book. In the end, however, the stories in this volume are too hit and miss for the casual reader, though any Lovecraft fan would be foolish to leave it out of their collection.
A must have for horror fans September 26, 2003
muttmummy (UK)
1 out of 2 found this review helpful
This book is one of three which, between them, provide MOST (but not all) of Lovecrafts' stories. Purchase Volume 1, 2 and 3 of this "omnibus", and you will own a truly magnificent collection of this master's works! Lovecraft, like Poe, had an untouchable talent for macabre and gothic horror stories - his works being a great influence on the wonderful Stephen King. Lovecraft's style is simple and yet so very intricate in weaving the most captivating stories. Like Poe, Lovecraft's works are ageless and the stuff of dreams and nightmares that will remain in your mind for many years after reading.
Sadly, not enough of Lovecraft's works have been translated into movies, but the movie "Dagon" should give you a taste of his work if you want to view something based on his writings. Amazon stock this movie.
In truth, I would much rather have a decent hardback with all of Lovecraft's stories - somehow your average paperback seems insufficient a medium to do real honour to such a master of this genre. BUT - this omnibus makes for a great resource and I am sure lovers of this genre will find Lovecraft's work a real treasure within their collection.
A must have for horror fans September 26, 2003
muttmummy (UK)
5 out of 6 found this review helpful
This book is one of three which, between them, provide MOST (but not all) of Lovecrafts' stories. Purchase Volume 1, 2 and 3 of this "omnibus", and you will own a truly magnificent collection of this master's works! Lovecraft, like Poe, had an untouchable talent for macabre and gothic horror stories - his works being a great influence on the wonderful Stephen King. Lovecraft's style is simple and yet so very intricate in weaving the most captivating stories. Like Poe, Lovecraft's works are ageless and the stuff of dreams and nightmares that will remain in your mind for many years after reading.
Sadly, not enough of Lovecraft's works have been translated into movies, but the movie "Dagon" should give you a taste of his work if you want to view something based on his writings. Amazon stock this movie.
In truth, I would much rather have a decent hardback with all of Lovecraft's stories - somehow your average paperback seems insufficient a medium to do real honour to such a master of this genre. BUT - this omnibus makes for a great resource and I am sure lovers of this genre will find Lovecraft's work a real treasure within their collection.
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