Mysterious floods and sightings of strange, inhuman shapes in the hills of Vermont spark the curiosity of scholar Albert N. Wilmarth. Dismissing the rumors as mere superstition, he begins exchanging letters with Henry Akeley, a reclusive man who claims to have proof of an ancient, alien presence hidden in the wilderness. But when Akeley suddenly urges him to visit in person, Wilmarth discovers a truth more terrifying than he ever imagined. H.P. LOVECRAFT [1890-1937], born in Providence, Rhode Island, was an American writer known for his horror, fantasy, and science fiction stories. Both of Lovecraft's parents suffered from mental illness, which greatly influenced his youth. He began writing at an early age but had a limited readership during his lifetime. Today, Lovecraft is regarded as an icon of popular culture and is considered one of the most influential and innovative horror writers of the 20th century, often compared to Edgar Allan Poe.