H.P. Lovecraft’s legacy lives on through his timeless horror tales, continuing to exert a powerful influence across literature, cinema, television, and gaming. His unique synthesis of unsettling cosmic dread, interwoven with elements of science fiction, fantasy, and classic Gothic themes – always delivered with a distinct sense of the *weird* – has become so iconic that “Lovecraftian” now describes works echoing his style. Masterpieces like “The Call of Cthulhu” and “At the Mountains of Madness” remain compelling reads almost a century after their initial publication. Now, these stories and all of Lovecraft’s other writings are available in a lavishly designed premium box set, a true collector’s item.
The H.P. Lovecraft Historical Society has partnered with Weldon Owen, a division of Insight Editions, to present a definitive two-volume collection titled The H.P. Lovecraft Experience Deluxe Box Set. Released today, August 5th, it can be found on Amazon for $95 (previously $100).
$95 (was $100)
This deluxe Lovecraft collection is arguably the most striking edition available from major retailers.
Spanning 1,888 pages, the collection is presented in two visually stunning, dark green leatherette-bound volumes, designed to resemble classic books from Lovecraft’s era. The covers and spines feature elegant foil-stamped emblems and lettering.
The H.P. Lovecraft Experience encompasses the entirety of Lovecraft’s literary output, offering a complete compendium of his novels, novellas, short stories, and other writings.
These two volumes are housed within a sculpted display case featuring a newly created 3D representation of Cthulhu. Truly three-dimensional, Cthulhu emerges from the surface of the case, enhancing the cosmic entity’s already formidable presence.
But the oversized display box contains more than just books. The H.P. Lovecraft Historical Society has also created a special Reader’s Guide, which delves into ten of Lovecraft’s short stories. Authored by Sean Branney and Andrew Leman, the founders of the Lovecraft Historical Society, this guidebook offers insights for both new and seasoned Lovecraft enthusiasts. The Reader’s Guide is stylistically consistent with the main volumes, but is designed in a notebook format, aligning with the overall aesthetic of the collection.
All supplemental materials connect to Miskatonic University, the fictional Massachusetts institution that figures prominently in many of Lovecraft’s tales, particularly those related to the Cthulhu Mythos.
Dedicated Lovecraft admirers will likely want to frame the included Miskatonic University diploma – but only after consulting The Undergraduate Course Book, presented as a concise booklet. Additional Miskatonic-themed items within the box include a bookmark, library card, patch, and decal.
The H.P. Lovecraft Experience can also be acquired as a Kindle ebook for $20. While this option forgoes the physical collectibles and premium presentation, it still grants access to both volumes and the Reader’s Guide.
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Explore More Lovecraft Box Sets and Collections
Given that most of Lovecraft’s work is now public domain, countless horror stories are readily available online at no cost. A vast selection of Lovecraft collections can also be found on Amazon. However, remember that public domain status can also mean a proliferation of poorly designed editions created by various individuals worldwide.
Interestingly, The H.P. Lovecraft Experience stands out as one of the few comprehensive editions that is genuinely aesthetically pleasing. While more affordable options exist and enjoy popularity, they often lack the completeness offered here.
For a budget-conscious option, consider The H.P. Lovecraft Collection: 6-Book Deluxe Box Set. This set features clothbound editions of six of Lovecraft’s most celebrated works, all packaged in a display box. Although the artwork and cover designs aren’t particularly striking, the books themselves are well-crafted. Available on Amazon for $28 (originally $60), this set includes:
- 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 format in 2021. This collection encompasses Lovecraft’s stories alongside Cthulhu Mythos tales penned by other authors. The Necronomicon Box Set can be purchased for $23 (down from $40).
Another highly regarded option is The Complete Fiction of H.P. Lovecraft for $14 (previously $18). This 1,112-page hardcover, published by Chartwell Books in 2016, remains a fantastic choice. The Complete Tales of H.P. Lovecraft, released in 2019 by Rock Point, is essentially the same book but boasts more visually arresting cover art – albeit at a slightly higher price of roughly $19.60 (reduced from $35).
H.P. Lovecraft Manga Adaptations
Lovecraft devotees and manga aficionados alike should certainly explore the manga adaptations of Lovecraft’s works. Written and illustrated by Gou Tanabe, with English translations by Zack Davisson, the manga is hauntingly evocative. As the cover art reveals, Tanabe’s illustrations are truly remarkable.
Dark Horse Manga has already published five Lovecraft manga adaptations in the US, including the 288-page adaptation of The Call of Cthulhu for $16 (down from $20) and At the Mountains of Madness, available in a 626-page hardcover Deluxe Edition for $26 (reduced from $50). The English translation of The Shadow Out of Time is slated for release on December 23rd and is currently available for preorder at $22.
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