Those who love life do not read. Nor do they go to the movies, actually. No matter what might be said, access to the artistic universe is more or less entirely the preserve of those who are a little fed up with the world. In this prescient work, now with an introduction by Stephen King, Michel Houellebecq, the controversial and bestselling author of ATOMISED, focuses his considerable analytical skills on H.P. Lovecraft, one of the seminal horror writers of the early 20th century. Houellebecqs insights into the craft of writing illuminate both Lovecraft and Houellebecqs own work. The two are kindred spirits, sharing a uniquely dark worldview. But even as he outlines Lovecrafts rejection of this loathsome world, it is Houellebecqs adulation for the author that drives this work and makes it a love song, infusing the writing with an energy and passion that characterises Houellebecqs new novel. This is indispensable reading for anyone interested in Lovecraft, Houellebecq, or the past and future of horror.