Howard Phillips Lovecraft (1890-1937) was an American writer known as one of the most influential figures in the horror genre. He created a vast mythos centered on cosmic horror, emphasizing humanity's insignificance in a cold, indifferent universe.
Lovecraft's works often explore themes of forbidden knowledge, inherited guilt, and the fragility of sanity. His creations, like the cosmic entity Cthulhu and the forbidden Necronomicon, have become iconic elements of horror culture.
Though financially strained and underappreciated during his life, Lovecraft's influence has grown significantly posthumously, cementing his legacy as a foundational figure in modern horror literature.