H. P. Lovecraft (1890-1937) is commonly regarded as the leading author of supernatural fiction in the 20th century. He has a tremendous popular following as well as a considerable and growing academic reputation as a writer of substance and significance. This exhaustive guide reveals many aspects of Lovecraft's life and work, codifying the detailed research conducted by many scholars over the past three decades. The volume draws upon rare documents, including thousands of unpublished letters, in presenting plot synopses, descriptions of characters, biographies of colleagues and family members, and entries on various topics and esoteric lore related to his works. Many of the entries include bibliographies, and the volume concludes with a list of works for further reading.