DAYTON–H.P. Lovecraft was an American horror writer who was practically unknown in his time. He died in abject poverty despite coming from a very wealthy family.

His visions of a cosmos filled with monsters, aliens, and indifferent gods has influenced every corner of modern-day science fiction and horror. Lovecraft created a new kind of horror that reimagined the entire genre, taking it away from the gothic constraints of his childhood idol Edgar Allen Poe, and influencing generations of future writers, filmmakers, artists, and so much more. Writers like Stephen King, Neil Gaiman and countless others have all confessed to being pulled under Lovecraft’s hypnotic storytelling.

John Carpenter’s “The Thing,” is an homage to Lovecraft’s, At the Mountains of Madness, and Lovecraft’s influence can be seen in blockbusters such as Alien and The Pirates of the Caribbean.

Even musicians such as Metallica and Black Sabbath have written songs in tribute to Lovecraft.

H.P. Lovecraft is regarded as one of the most significant 20th-century authors in his genre and he has often been referred to as the grandfather of modern horror. If you are a fan of science fiction and horror, H.P. Lovecraft is a must read. We have the complete collection here at the library, so come check out this prolific writer.

The month October provides an opportunity for us to display many fright-filled materials for public use. On the evening of Halloween, bring in your ghouls and goblins for a treat, spy on a movie and create the best monster imaginable at our spooky celebration in the Delany Building starting at 5:30 p.m.

Happy Reading!