Howard Phillips Lovecraft was an American writer renowned for his works of weird, science, fantasy, and horror fiction. Born on August 20, 1890, in Providence, Rhode Island, Lovecraft spent most of his life in New England.

After his father's institutionalization in 1893, Lovecraft's family's wealth dwindled following his grandfather's death, leading to financial difficulties. He began his writing career by contributing essays to the United Amateur Press Association. His critical letter to a pulp magazine in 1913 introduced him to the world of pulp fiction, where he became an active participant.

Lovecraft's move to New York City, his marriage to Sonia Greene in 1924, and his involvement with the "Lovecraft Circle" significantly influenced his career. Despite challenges, Lovecraft returned to Providence in 1926, where he created some of his most famous works, such as The Call of Cthulhu, At the Mountains of Madness, and The Shadow Over Innsmouth.

A proponent of cosmicism, Lovecraft's fiction reflects his belief in humanity's insignificance in the cosmos, incorporating elements of fantasy and science fiction. Themes of civilizational decline, degeneration, and devolution permeate his writings. Although he held conservative and traditionalist views, Lovecraft's political ideology became more socialist following the Great Depression.

Despite his limited financial success during his lifetime, Lovecraft's works have significantly influenced the horror genre, inspiring adaptations and spiritual successors that form the Cthulhu Mythos. Lovecraft passed away from intestinal cancer at the age of 46 on March 15, 1937.