Howard Phillips Lovecraft (1890-1937), commonly known as H. P. Lovecraft, was an American author known for his works of horror fiction (many of which have been adapted into movies). Having died in obscure poverty, he achieved posthumous fame for his books and stories. Today, he is best known for his take on The Call of Cthulhu. Because of his influence on contemporary writers and the development of his unique style known as "Lovecraftian," he is often compared to Edgar Allan Poe.