Title: Herbert West—Reanimator
Author: H.P. Lovecraft
First published June 1, 1922
48 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9781409936480 (ISBN10: 1409936481)
Rating: 3.85
Overview
“Herbert West—Reanimator” is a spine-chilling short story by the renowned horror fiction author, H.P. Lovecraft. Written between October 1921 and June 1922, it follows the story of a brilliant scientist named Herbert West, who seeks to restore life to the dead.
Serialized in February through July 1922 in the amateur publication Home Brew, this terrifying tale marks the first mention of Lovecraft’s fictional Miskatonic University and is credited with being one of the first depictions of zombies as uncontrollably violent creatures. This gripping narrative has inspired numerous adaptations in various media, including the 1985 horror film Re-Animator and its sequels.
Dare to enter the world of Herbert West and experience the horror of scientific experimentation gone awry.
About the Author
Howard Phillips Lovecraft was an American author from Providence, Rhode Island, whose works spanned the horror, fantasy, and science fiction genres. Lovecraft’s unique contribution to literature was the concept of cosmic horror.
His stories explored the idea that the universe is fundamentally alien and incomprehensible to human minds, and those who attempt to understand it risk losing their sanity.
Lovecraft’s most famous creation is the Cthulhu Mythos, a series of interconnected stories featuring a pantheon of entities that seek to nullify human existence. He also wrote about the Necronomicon, a fictional grimoire of magical rites and forbidden knowledge.
Lovecraft’s works were characterized by a deep sense of pessimism and cynicism, which challenged the values of the Enlightenment, Romanticism, and Christianity. His protagonists often experienced a moment of enlightenment in which they glimpsed the horror of ultimate reality, achieving the opposite of traditional mysticism.
Although Lovecraft’s readership was limited while he was alive, his reputation has grown over time. He is now widely regarded as one of the most influential horror writers of the 20th century and is frequently compared to Edgar Allan Poe.
Editoral Review
Herbert West—Reanimator by H.P. Lovecraft is a classic horror novella that was first published in June 1922. Lovecraft, who is considered one of the most influential horror writers of the 20th century, is known for his unique style of writing that blends horror, science fiction, and fantasy.
Herbert West—Reanimator is no exception, as it tells the story of a young medical student, Herbert West, who becomes obsessed with the idea of bringing the dead back to life.
The novella is divided into six chapters, each of which tells a different story about Herbert West and his attempts to reanimate the dead. The main character is a complex and enigmatic figure, who is driven by his desire to overcome death and achieve immortality.
The story is set in a dark and eerie environment that adds to the overall sense of dread and horror.
One of the strengths of Herbert West—Reanimator is its ability to create a sense of unease and horror without relying on cheap scares or gore. Lovecraft’s writing is atmospheric and descriptive, painting a vivid picture of the world that the characters inhabit.
The pacing of the novella is also well-done, with each chapter building on the previous one to create a sense of escalating tension.
However, the novella is not without its flaws. The character development is somewhat lacking, with many of the characters feeling one-dimensional and underdeveloped.
Additionally, some of the stories within the novella feel repetitive and predictable, which can detract from the overall experience.
Despite these flaws, Herbert West—Reanimator is a classic of the horror genre and remains a must-read for fans of Lovecraft’s work. The novella’s historical and cultural significance cannot be understated, as it has influenced countless other horror writers and filmmakers over the years.
Furthermore, the novella’s themes of mortality and the human desire for immortality are still relevant today and can provide valuable insights into the human condition.
Overall, Herbert West—Reanimator is a well-crafted and atmospheric horror novella that is sure to delight fans of Lovecraft and the horror genre. While it may not be perfect, it remains a classic of the genre and is well worth the read.
I give the novella a rating of 4 out of 5 stars.
