Physically the book is a gem, where the cover consists of stark rippley waves of dark pastel colors on a black background, with a velvet-texture that is very appealing.

And then my first impressions of the stories were that they are weird, but it would be a stretch to consider them horrific. Again, at first these stories are mildly cute in the way Lovecraft strains so hard to get across “indescribable” horror. He even stretches himself to juxtapose pleasant adjectives with repulsive adjectives in an attempt to make us feel uncomfortable, if not repelled. But, I have to admit that I’m stuck—after more than half the stories I can’t bring myself to finish the book, yet...these tales are all so repetitive that I’m repelled by Lovecraft’s lack of originality finally: how many ways can you describe something by proclaiming them indescribable and incomprehensible? It seems to me that these short stories should never have been compiled into such a repetitive collection. My recommendation is to NOT read too many at the same time. Give yourself some time away to clean your emotional pallet.

Meanwhile, one story definitely has more ‘meat’. In “Imprisoned with the Pharos” Lovecraft co-authors with Harry Houdini and goes into more descriptive detail (as opposed to figurative/suggestive detail) and unfolds at greater length so that we’re able mentally to see the environment and develop enough rapport with the protagonist to sympathize with his plight.

Then there’s “Celephaïs”, which, so far, is the only story that tries to be sympathetically positive. In the vein of Hans Christian Anderson’s “The Little Match Girl” Lovecraft treats the story as anything but an hallucination and I felt an odd touch of pleasure at the main character getting what he wants—whatever it really is.

In the end, I can’t bring myself to finish the book. It’s not that it’s bad, but that it’s tediously repetitive: different scenarios, different circumstances, but the same adjectives and adverbs and emotional dark colorings, that weigh me down. Well, maybe that’s the aim of his stories—to let us taste of the ‘darkness’. Possibly to appreciate the ‘light’ more. ( )

I've read Lovecraft before, and recommend him for those who want an intense and scary read.

I've not technically read this book, but gifted it to a family member whose review will be posted shortly.

A really nice edition, great cover and binding and printing. This is a large collection of Lovecraft short stories, ranging from those that aren't Cthulhu related to those that are familiar. A nice collection to have for Lovecraft fans. If you are not a fan, I think you'll find the stories lack impact. The characters are a bit flat and the 'horror' aspects relies too heavily on the reader's imagination. Too much telling, not enough showing. ( )

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book via the LibraryThing Early Reviewers program in exchange for an honest review.

There's no shortage of editions of HP Lovecraft's work available nowadays; his body of work entered the pubic domain in the US over a decade ago, and since then publishers at every level of quality have been pushing out collections of either his complete works, his best works (as decided by any given editor), or a sampler. This new edition from Mint Editions falls more in the sampler category, though it includes 35 stories, including a handful of Lovecraft's collaborations, so it's a bit more thorough than many similar volumes. None of his novellas are included or fragmentary works are included.

I won't go over each story individually as that would take a tremendous amount of time, even at just a few lines per story. I will say that the quality runs the gamut, from some of his best (and best-known) stories such as "The Call of Cthulhu" and "Imprisoned With the Pharaohs" to some lesser and often forgotten works, such as "Ex Oblivione" and "The Terrible Man." Overall it's a very good introduction to Lovecraft and, upon finishing it, a reader will know well enough if looking for the rest of the author's works is a worthwhile endeavor.

The main thing I want to discuss is the quality of the physical book itself. As mentioned, collections of Lovecraft's works have been published at all levels of quality, from the lovely The Call of Cthulhu and Other Weird Stories" from the Folio Society, to the nearly-disposable editions of his collected works you can pick up at places like Barnes and Noble or Books-a-Million. This edition by Mint Editions falls squarely in the middle, and for the price ($20.99), I feel it's a great deal.

There's no dust jacket. The cover art, such as it is, is printed directly on the boards. The art itself is just a simple pattern; it's not particularly striking, but it is similar to the covers for everything Mint Editions publishes, so if you're collecting those, there will be a certain consistency between books. I'm reminded of the general uniformity you see in Penguin Classics of the Library of America editions of books.

The paper is of decent quality - certainly better than the tissue paper you often see in reprints of public domain works. As such, there's a surprising heft to the book considering it's size. I also don't feel like I'm at risk of tearing pages out every time I turn one, so that's a plus. This is a book that will survive multiple read-throughs.

So is this book worth your money? If you're in the market for a volume that provides a good overview of Lovecraft's entire body of work, both the good and the bad, and is made of materials that should hold together for years to come, then yes, I'd say so. I wasn't familiar with Mint Editions prior to receiving this volume, but I'm impressed enough that I'll almost certainly pick up a few more of their offerings. ( )

Being all alone in a strangely deserted mansion during a dark and stormy night would be a perfect place and time to read “Weird and Horrific Stories”, authored by H.P. Lovecroft nearly 100 years ago. The current publisher, Mint Editions, reprinted about 30 of Lovecroft's horror stories in his original words and period literary style. Those who may be offended by the authors early 20th century racist and multi-phobia descriptions can still appreciate the skillful crafting of words and surreal plots Lovecroft used to blend emotions, suspense, and mystery into each story. The work is both entertaining and an interesting study of turn of the century science fiction horror.

The hardback book is covered in a velvety cover making it a thoughtful gift or a keepsake for any sci-fi or horror enthusiast. ( )