Lovecraft's stories remain as harrowing and strange as they ever were, and their enduring influence makes them essential reads for horror fans. Klinger's annotations provide valuable context about Lovecraft's influences and the time in which he wrote, but they are perhaps most fascinating in their focus on the recurring themes found in his work . . . Klinger's annotations help to identify and track these thoughts, sometimes referencing Lovecraft's own notes and letters in helping readers unravel the author's complicated web of preoccupations. What emerges, alongside 10 excellent short stories, is a fuller understanding of Lovecraft's disturbing belief that humanity is an insignificant species when measured against the ancient, malign universe.–Hank Stephenson "Shelf Awareness"