The Thing on the Doorstep and Other Stories

by H. P. Lovecraft Narrated by William Roberts

Overview

H.P. Lovecraft never found fame during his lifetime and died in 1937 in relative obscurity. But in the decades that followed his death, his importance as a unique and original visionary in the genre of science fantasy and `weird fiction' has grown monumentally, so that even talents such as author Stephen King and film-maker John Carpenter have described him as a prime influence upon their creative lives. Here, then, is a selection of his stories.

Editorial Reviews

Publishers Weekly - Audio

10/28/2013
William Roberts gives a smart, enthusiastic reading of these six timeless tales of terror written by the great grandfather of the creepy and macabre. These stories cover a wide range of the strange and supernatural, from outer space invasions and dark ancient rites to lost civilizations and cannibalism. Roberts fully embraces Lovecraft’s grandiose prose in a performance reminiscent of the old time radio shows of the 1930s. Roberts is most effective with first person narrations, such as with the title story and “The Rats in the Wall”—which will send shivers down the listener’s spine. While Roberts’s slightly over-the-top delivery could come across to some as campy, it ultimately suits the material. Like any good storyteller, Roberts manages to infuse each story with a slow building sense of dread, holding the listener’s attention until the final hair-raising reveal. A perfect listen (preferably with the lights off) for Halloween. (Sept.)

AUGUST 2014 - AudioFile

Narrator William Roberts evokes just the right amount of tension and terror to reflect the spirit of H.P. Lovecraft. Roberts delivers these stories in a subtly coarse voice that is well suited to horror, keeping listeners solidly engaged. Throughout the macabre tales, Roberts captures characters’ voices expertly—from Derby’s maniacal ravings in “The Thing on the Doorstep” to the narrator’s downward-spiraling lucidity in “The Rats in the Walls.” The scurrying sounds of rodents add further ambiance to the latter story. During scenes of heightened excitement Roberts speaks with energy, and when depicting sinister settings, his low, even tone that fills the listener with trepidation. This chilling listen is best enjoyed after dark. A.K.M. © AudioFile 2014, Portland, Maine

Product Details

BN ID:	2940175000970
Publisher:	Naxos Audiobooks
Publication date:	06/01/2013
Edition description:	Unabridged

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