An American short-story writer, novelist, editor, and poet, Howard Phillip Lovecraft (August 20, 1890 – March 15, 1937) was from Providence, Rhode Island. He was heavily inspired by the works of Edgar Allen Poe and Algernon Blackwood, as well as his own nightmares and imagination. Lovecraft had an indisputable affinity for all things weird and horrifying, and could accurately be described as a recluse. Despite being virtually unknown during his lifetime, and dying in obscure poverty, he achieved posthumous fame and acclaim during the end of the 20th-century.
Lovecraft wrote and published assiduously throughout his life, often finding his niche in pulp magazines. His most recognizable anthology is the "Cthulhu Mythos," which revolves around the psychological ramifications of humans who are exposed to extraterrestrial/extradimensional entities.
In addition to his psychological horror stories, Lovecraft is also remembered for his voluminous essays on a plethora of topics, including: history, art, science, culture, politics, and the nature of the human condition. Lovecraft is also credited with pioneering the literary philosophy of "Cosmicism." Cosmicism denotes the absence of any divine presence in the universe, and deems humanity as an insignificant speckle in the grand scheme of space and time.
Lovecraft and his works were revitalized during the end of the 20th-century, and have since influenced innumerable mediums, including books, paintings, films, music, and games. He has deservedly become an icon of the horror genre and a prominent figure within modern pop culture.
