H.P. Lovecraft, whose full name was Howard Phillips Lovecraft, was born on August 20, 1890, in Providence, Rhode Island. He was the only child of Winfield Scott Lovecraft, a jewelry salesman, and Sarah Phillips Lovecraft. From a very young age, Lovecraft displayed an incredible talent for literature. By the age of three, he was able to recite poems, and by six, he was writing complete poems himself.
Despite his early literary prowess, Lovecraft's childhood was not without its troubles. He suffered from intense night terrors, which would plague him throughout his life. These early experiences deeply influenced his later work, which would come to be characterized by themes of cosmic horror and existential dread.
Lovecraft's writing career began in the early 1920s, when he started submitting his stories to pulp magazines. His works were well-received by readers of the genre, but Lovecraft struggled financially throughout his life, never achieving the level of success he had hoped for.
Despite his financial struggles, Lovecraft continued to write prolifically, producing some of his most famous works during this time. These included stories such as "The Call of Cthulhu," "The Shadow Out of Time," and "At the Mountains of Madness," which would go on to become classics of the horror genre.
In the mid-1920s, Lovecraft briefly married Sonia Greene, a writer and businesswoman. The marriage was short-lived, however, and the couple eventually divorced. Lovecraft's personal life was marked by a series of unfortunate events, including the deaths of several close family members and friends.
Despite these personal losses, Lovecraft continued to devote himself to his writing, using his experiences of grief and despair to fuel his dark and haunting tales of cosmic horror.
Although Lovecraft did not achieve widespread fame during his lifetime, his work has since been recognized as some of the most important in the horror genre. He is credited with coining the term "cosmic horror," which describes the existential dread and insignificance of humanity in the face of vast, unknowable forces.
Lovecraft's influence can be seen in the work of many modern horror writers, including Stephen King and Alan Moore. His stories continue to be read and studied by fans of the genre, and his unique style and themes have cemented his place as a master of the macabre.
On March 15, 1937, at the age of 46, H.P. Lovecraft passed away in Providence, Rhode Island. Despite his struggles during his lifetime, Lovecraft's work has stood the test of time and continues to captivate readers with its dark and chilling tales of horror and the unknown.
Joining HP Lovecraft and his long legacy is Alan Moore, English graphic novelist of Watchmen, who greatly admired Lovecraft's work and was inspired by his unique storytelling.Related links