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H.P. Lovecraft is responsible for a long list of classic horror stories that continue to be highly influential in the world of literature, film, television, and video games. The author’s blend of unsettling cosmic horror with sci-fi/fantasy and Gothic settings–almost always with an ample dose of weird–is so recognizable that the word Lovecraftian is used to describe stories inspired by his work. Stories like The Call of Cthulhu and At the Mountains of Madness are still well-worth reading nearly 100 years after they were first published. Those stories and the rest of Lovecraft’s writings are now available in a premium box set that looks absolutely stunning.
The H.P. Lovecraft Historical Society worked with publisher Weldon Owen–an imprint of Insight Editions–to craft a comprehensive two-volume collection called The H.P. Lovecraft Experience Deluxe Box Set. It quickly sold out on release day (August 5) earlier this month, but it’s back in stock for $97.64 (was $100) on August 22.
$97.64 (was $100)
This is almost certainly the most stunning Lovecraft collection you can find at a major retailer or bookstore.
The 1,888-page collection is spread across two striking, dark green volumes hardbound in leatherette to resemble high-quality books from Lovecraft’s time. The cover and spines have foil-stamped insignias and lettering.
The H.P. Lovecraft Experience includes all of the author’s work, so this is a one-stop shop for his novels, novellas, short stories, and other writings.
The two books are packaged inside a sculpted display case featuring a new 3D depiction of Cthulhu. When we say 3D, we mean that Cthulhu rises from the surface of the case, which makes the cosmic entity more terrifying than it already is.
The oversized display box houses more than just the two books, though. The H.P. Lovecraft Historical Society created a brand-new Reader’s Guide that examines 10 of Lovecraft’s short stories. The guidebook was written by Sean Branney and Andrew Leman, the co-founders of the Lovecraft Historical Society, and should be an interesting read for newcomers and experienced readers alike. The Reader’s Guide matches the look of the two main volumes, but it’s sized like notebook. The format here keeps with the overarching theme of the collectibles.
All of the supplements are tied to Miskatonic University, a fictional Massachusetts college that plays a major role in many of Lovecraft’s stories, including all of his work related to the Cthulhu.
Big Lovecraft fans will probably want to frame their diploma from Miskatonic University that’s included here–but only after you follow The Undergraduate Course Book, presented as a small booklet. Other Miskatonic-themed collectibles you’ll find in the box include a bookmark, a library card, a patch, and a decal.
The H.P. Lovecraft Experience is also available as a Kindle ebook for $20. Obviously, you’ll miss out on the collectibles and premium presentation, but you’ll still get both volumes and the Reader’s Guide.
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More Lovecraft Box Sets & Collections
Since most of Lovecraft’s work is in the public domain, you can read many of his horror stories for free online. You’ll also find a dizzying number of Lovecraft collections on Amazon. But keep in mind that Lovecraft being in the public domain means that there are a lot of terribly designed editions created by random people across the world.
Strangely, The H.P. Lovecraft Experience is one of the rare editions of the author’s complete writings that actually looks nice. There are cheaper options that that readers like, but they aren’t always as comprehensive.
One solid budget-friendly option is The H.P. Lovecraft Collection: 6-Book Deluxe Box Set. The set includes clothbound editions of six of the author’s best-known works in a display box. The artwork and cover designs aren’t super exciting, but the books themselves are well-made. It’s on sale for $28 (was $60) at Amazon. Here’s the list of books included in the box set:
- At the Mountains of Madness
- The Dunwich Horror
- The Call of Cthulhu
- The Shadow over Innsmouth
- Polaris
- The Color Out of Space
- Rats in the Walls
The same publisher released The Necronomicon: 5-Book Box Set in paperback in 2021. The Necronomicon includes Lovecraft stories as well Cthulhu Mythos tales by other authors. You can get The Necronomicon Box Set for $23 (was $40).
We’d also recommend the Barnes & Noble Collectible Edition of Lovecraft’s Complete Fiction. This beautiful hardcover edition has a premium binding, illustrated endpapers, and a ribbon bookmark. Plus, it’s only $27 (was $30) and is eligible for Barnes & Noble’s Buy One, Get One 50% off Collectible Edition sale until September 2.
For another respected edition, check out The Complete Fiction of H.P. Lovecraft for $14 (was $18). This 1,112-page hardcover was published by Chartwell Books in 2016 and remains a great option today. The Complete Tales of H.P. Lovecraft, published in 2019 by Rock Point, is essentially the same book, but it has more evocative cover art–though it costs roughly $19.60 (was $35).
H.P. Lovecraft Manga Adaptations
Lovecraft fans and horror manga readers in general should definitely check out the manga adaptations of Lovecraft’s work. Written and illustrated by Gou Tanabe and translated to English by Zack Davisson, the manga is hauntingly beautiful. You can probably already tell by the cover art above, but Tanabe’s illustrations are simply incredible.
Five Lovecraft manga adaptations have already been published in the US by Dark Horse Manga, including the 288-page adaptation of The Call of Cthulhu for $13 (was $20) and At the Mountains of Madness, which has a 626-page hardcover Deluxe Edition for $26.65 (was $50). The English translation of The Shadow Out of Time releases December 23 and is available to preorder for $22.
