Synopsis
This compilation of stories by H. P. Lovecraft (1890-1937) starts with six of them written in his time of total maturity thus exemplifying the diverse registries of his macabre universe, from cosmic horror ("Locked up with the Pharaohs") to scientific anticipation ("In the walls of Eris"), passing by the tenebrous surroundings of New England ("the strange house of the fog").

The volume includes five youthful narrations that the author saved from destruction and which are extremely significant as first spyings of the literary obsessions that he would set later in the myths of Cthulhu. The evil clergyman -who responds to the title of the initial story- closes itself with four sketches of stories found among the papers of the posthumous author.