"Dreams in the Witch House" is a short story written by H.P. Lovecraft, an influential author in the genre of horror and weird fiction. The story was first published in 1932 and is notable for its blend of cosmic horror, science fiction, and witchcraft themes. The narrative revolves around Walter Gilman, a student of mathematics and folklore at Miskatonic University. Gilman takes up residence in a boarding house, rooming in the attic space of an old house, known as the Witch House, which has a notorious reputation for supernatural occurrences.
H. P. Lovecraft was born in 1890 in Providence, Rhode Island, where he lived most of his life. Frequent illnesses in his youth disrupted his schooling, but Lovecraft gained a wide knowledge of many subjects through independent reading and study. He wrote many essays and poems early in his career, but gradually focused on the writing of horror stories, after the advent in 1923 of the pulp magazine Weird Tales, to which he contributed most of his fiction. His relatively small corpus of fiction--three short novels and about sixty short stories--has nevertheless exercised a wide influence on subsequent work in the field, and he is regarded as the leading twentieth-century American author of supernatural fiction. H. P. Lovecraft died in Providence in 1937.
His relatively small corpus of fiction--three short novels and about sixty short stories--has nevertheless exercised a wide influence on subsequent work in the field, and he is regarded as the leading twentieth-century American author of supernatural fiction. Frequent illnesses in his youth disrupted his schooling, but Lovecraft gained a wide knowledge of many subjects through independent reading and study.
Gilman takes up residence in a boarding house, rooming in the attic space of an old house, known as the Witch House, which has a notorious reputation for supernatural occurrences. As Gilman settles into his room and explores its peculiar architectural features, such as strange angles and geometries, he begins having disturbing dreams. These dreams transport Gilman through time and space, where he encounters haunting and gruesome visions, including a witch, strange rituals, and otherworldly beings.
The Dreams in the Witch House - (Penguin Classics) by H P Lovecraft (Paperback)
Plagued by insane nightmare visions, Walter Gilman seeks help in Miskatonic University's infamous library of forbidden books, where, in the pages of Abdul Alhazred's dreaded Necronomicon, he finds terrible hints that seem to connect his own studies in advanced mathematics with the fantastic legends of elder magic. The Dreams in the Witch House, gathered together here with more than twenty other tales of terror, exemplifies H. P. Lovecraft's primacy among twentieth-century American horror writers.
This volume is a companion to the other two Penguin Classics edition of Lovecraft's work: The Call of the Cthulhu and The Thing on the Doorstep. This original collection presents the definitive texts of the work, including a newly restored text of "The Shadow out of time" along with S. T. Joshi's invaluable introduction and notes.
For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,700 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators.
Review Quotes
H. P. Lovecraft has yet to be surpassed as the twentieth centuryÆs greatest practitioner of the classic horror tale. (Stephen King)
About the Author
H. P. Lovecraft was born in 1890 in Providence, Rhode Island, where he lived most of his life. Frequent illnesses in his youth disrupted his schooling, but Lovecraft gained a wide knowledge of many subjects through independent reading and study. He wrote many essays and poems early in his career, but gradually focused on the writing of horror stories, after the advent in 1923 of the pulp magazine Weird Tales, to which he contributed most of his fiction. His relatively small corpus of fiction--three short novels and about sixty short stories--has nevertheless exercised a wide influence on subsequent work in the field, and he is regarded as the leading twentieth-century American author of supernatural fiction. H. P. Lovecraft died in Providence in 1937.
S. T. Joshi is a freelance writer and editor. He has edited Penguin Classics editions of H. P. Lovecraft's The Call of Cthulhu and Other Weird Stories (1999), and The Thing on the Doorstep and Other Weird Stories (2001), as well as Algernon Blackwood's Ancient Sorceries and Other Strange Stories (2002). Among his critical and biographical studies are The Weird Tale(1990), Lord Dunsany: Master of the Anglo-Irish Imagination (1995), H. P. Lovecraft: A Life(1996), and The Modern Weird Tale (2001). He has also edited works by Ambrose Bierce, Arthur Machen, and H. L. Mencken, and is compiling a three-volume Encyclopedia of Supernatural Literature. He lives with his wife in Seattle, Washington.
Gilman becomes obsessed with uncovering the mysteries of the Witch House and the terrifying dreams it induces. He delves into research, discovering the dark history of Keziah Mason, a witch who once resided in the house and made pacts with otherworldly entities. Throughout the story, Lovecraft expertly weaves together elements of supernatural horror with scientific explanations. Gilman's dreams are attributed to hypergeometrical calculations and non-Euclidean geometry, which warp his perceptions and allow him to travel through bizarre dimensions. However, the boundary between dreams and reality becomes increasingly blurred as Gilman's physical and mental well-being deteriorates. He experiences physical manifestations of his dreams, including the arrival of "rat-things" into his room. The line between his nightmares and the waking world becomes further blurred as he begins to lose touch with reality. In the climax of the story, Gilman discovers the witch's familiar, a rat with human qualities, possesses the power to transport him to the otherworldly regions he has frequented in his dreams. He ultimately becomes a victim of the supernatural forces tied to the Witch House, disappearing without a trace. "Dreams in the Witch House" showcases Lovecraft's signature style of cosmic horror, where the human mind is pushed to the breaking point when faced with knowledge beyond its comprehension. The story explores themes of forbidden knowledge, occultism, and the boundaries of science and superstition. The narrative also draws inspiration from Lovecraft's fascination with the idea of cosmic entities and ancient civilizations that predate human existence. The Witch House is a conduit to these dark forces and the strange realms they inhabit, further exploring Lovecraft's universe where humanity is insignificant in the face of these powerful beings. Overall, "Dreams in the Witch House" is a macabre tale that delves into the depths of human consciousness and the horrors that lie beyond. Lovecraft's vivid descriptions of grotesque visions and otherworldly dimensions captivate readers, leaving a lingering sense of dread and fascination..
Reviews for "The Cosmic Nightmare: Dreams in the Witch House"
1. John Doe - 1 star
I found "Dreams in the Witch House" by H.P. Lovecraft to be incredibly disappointing. The story lacked any clear direction and was filled with convoluted and confusing descriptions. The characters were poorly developed, making it impossible for me to care about their fates. The plot was scattered and the ending felt rushed and unsatisfying. Overall, it was a frustrating read that failed to live up to Lovecraft's reputation as a master of horror.
2. Jane Smith - 2 stars
"Dreams in the Witch House" by H.P. Lovecraft left me underwhelmed. The writing style was overly verbose and difficult to follow, making it hard for me to fully immerse myself in the story. The main character's journey through various nightmares lacked coherence, leaving me confused and disconnected. The lack of clear resolution or meaningful conclusion also detracted from my overall enjoyment of the book. While I appreciate Lovecraft's influence on the horror genre, this particular story fell short of my expectations.
3. Mark Johnson - 1 star
I regret reading "Dreams in the Witch House" by H.P. Lovecraft. The story was repetitive and lacked originality, relying heavily on tired horror tropes. The writing style was archaic and overly descriptive, making it difficult to engage with the narrative. The characters were one-dimensional and unrelatable, which further weakened the overall impact of the story. Furthermore, the plot felt disjointed and the ending failed to provide a satisfying resolution. I do not recommend this book to anyone seeking a captivating horror experience.