H. P. Lovecraft

Howard Phillips Lovecraft (August 20, 1890 – March 15, 1937) was an American author of fantasy and horror fiction, noted for giving horror stories a science fiction framework. Lovecraft's readership was limited during his life, but his works have become quite important and influential among writers and fans of horror fiction.

Lovecraft's influence in popular culture

:Main article: Lovecraftian horror

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Beyond direct adaptation, Lovecraft and his stories have had a profound (if sometimes indirect and unnoticed) impact on popular culture, and has been praised by many modern writers of horror, science fiction, and fantasy. Much of his influence is secondary, as he was a friend, inspiration, and correspondent to many authors who would gain fame through their creations. He was a friend of Conan the Barbarian creator Robert E. Howard; Robert Bloch, author of Psycho; and Frank Belknap Long, Lovecraft's biographer and contributor to the Mythos.

Related Topics:
Conan the Barbarian - Robert E. Howard - Robert Bloch - Psycho - Frank Belknap Long

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Many later creators of horror writing and films show influences from Lovecraft, including Clive Barker and H. R. Giger. Others, notably Clark Ashton Smith, August Derleth, Neil Gaiman, Fred Chappell, Stephen King, Alan Moore, and Brian Lumley, have written stories that are explicitly set in the same "universe" as Lovecraft's original stories. Lovecraft pastiches are common. For more examples of specific references to and uses of the Mythos in popular culture, see References to the Cthulhu Mythos.

Related Topics:
Clive Barker - H. R. Giger - Clark Ashton Smith - August Derleth - Neil Gaiman - Fred Chappell - Stephen King - Alan Moore - Brian Lumley - Pastiche - References to the Cthulhu Mythos

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