Next to Edgar Allan Poe, Howard Phillips Lovecraft (August 20, 1890-March 15, 1937), may be the most well known American author of macabre and weird fiction. Born in Providence, Rhode Island, Lovecraft began writing scientific papers for his friends at the age of 8, and wrote an astronomy column in 1906, with his first published short story coming in 1905. While never having a book of his stories published during his lifetime, he became a best seller after his death. He died in poverty and obscurity, convinced he was an utter failure.

And yet, the imaginary places, books and creatures he created have lived on, becoming more popular with time, some even developing a cult status. Using locations he was familiar with, Lovecraft changed the names of such cities as Boston and Salem, transforming them into the dark haunts of nightmares, under the guise of Arkham and Innsmouth. He also invented the fabled Miskatonic University, wherein a copy of the infamous Necronomicon, penned by the mad Arab, Abdul Alhazed, was said to be stored.

Among his well known stories are "The Dunwich Horror," "The Color out of Space," "Dagon," and "At the Mountains of Madness," where one of his best remembered creatures was discovered; Cthulhu. Known for his 'weird' tales of horror, Lovecraft also wrote poetry, although he was never thought of as being a great poet. He also penned fantasy stories and at least one fantasy novel, "The Dreamquest of Unknown Kadath."