Read · Listen · Learn
2016-07-07
H. P. Lovecraft is well-known for his horror stories although he was never successful while he was alive. In this very short story, he tells us about a strange old sea captain who lives alone and buys everything he needs with old gold coins. But when three thieves visit him one night, they get more than they expect (880 words).
Lovecraft was born in the USA in 1890 but had a difficult childhood because his father went mad and spent the rest of his life in a mental hospital. The young Lovecraft lived with his grandfather who taught him to love reading – especially horror stories. Sadly, his mother became mad soon after his grandfather’s death, and died in the same hospital as her husband.
Lovecraft’s marriage was unsuccessful (but friendly). He never had much money and did not become well-known for his books. He died in 1937 of cancer and hunger. Since his death, Lovecraft’s horror stories have become famous in the English-speaking world.