The Call of Cthulhu

by H.P. Lovecraft

42 ratings, 22 reviews

"The Call of Cthulhu" is a short story written by H. P. Lovecraft during the summer of 1926, which was published in Weird Tales in 1928. Written in documentary style, it contains three narratives that are discovered as notes left by a deceased relative. While Cthulhu is a character, it's only hinted at: it is the lord of R'lyeh, an ancient being from the depths of space that came hundreds of millions of years ago to destroy the elder beings of our world. It is described as "a monster of vaguely anthropoid outline, but with an octopus-like head whose face was a mass of feelers, a scaly, rubbery-looking body, prodigious claws on hind and fore feet, and long, narrow wings behind."

The main plot of the story follows several characters as they try to uncover the cryptic nature of the Cthulhu cult, which is discovered amidst a frenzy of worldwide hysteria. Several adventurous characters travel the globe searching out the cult in an attempt to stop them from releasing the dreaded monster from the stars. Lovecraft's story has inspired a whole milieu of work, which includes dozens of Cthulhu spinoff stories that make up a whole mythos. "Cthulhu" has also become a term among sci-fi and fantasy lovers as shorthand for something ultra horrific or evil.

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Samstravels Abroad

April 17, 2013

This book is a reminder of all the horrible things that lurk in the darkness. It is creepy to think of things as old as our sun can be waiting for us in the dark......

Smellby Incriminator

April 02, 2013

Based on true events

Sam Ward

March 27, 2013

The call of cthulhu is brilliant in the sense that if fiction wasnt tied to the title, a chilling embrace would follow suit even more than the tale itself creates.

Amanda Moore

February 25, 2013

Elegant and haunting. The images tug at your mind like a half remembered dream that you now wish you could forget.

Kermit McKenzie

February 23, 2013

Short but sweet story. The narrators anxiety quickly builds. The long fluid senteces and word choices are great. I might read again and give it more stars.

Ignacio Gonzalez

February 09, 2013

Very interesting and short, 43 pages. It manages to create a sense of upcoming doom.

Alexander Semenyuk

February 01, 2013

I am a writer myself and it's always great to find something different and original, I surely recommend this story, I enjoyed the writing style and the descriptions a lot.

Adam Forrest

December 24, 2012

Well written and a very good read.

Jr. Ibbs

October 14, 2012

Interesting story

Jonathan Shreves

October 14, 2012

One of my favorite books!

S H

September 05, 2012

Takes about 30 minutes to read, very interesting. A little Slow in the beginning but great ending

Steve Childress

August 25, 2012

This book is beautifully written, and it masterful in its mysterious recount of horror. It is a must read for all who fancy the genres of mystery, horror, and the paranormal or unknown.

Damien Houck

August 08, 2012

Great book I'm enjoying it I like the author. I found out about Cthulhu from a indie video game on Xbox lol then I saw him in south park the cartoon show . I knew it was a piece of literature and I saw it on here it's a must download you won't regret it

Narain Thadani

June 17, 2012

I read Lovecraft as a student many years ago & posses his collection of short stories but this was missing. Hea master craftsman of horror