In my opinion, 'The Colour Out of Space' is an excellent choice for the best first Lovecraft story. It starts with a rather ordinary, rural setting which makes it relatable at first. But as the story progresses, the strange and otherworldly events that occur, like the strange color and the blight it brings to the land, are truly Lovecraftian. It shows his ability to take the familiar and twist it into something terrifying and alien.
I think 'The Call of Cthulhu' is a great first Lovecraft story. It's very representative of his style, introducing the concept of the terrifying and indescribable cosmic entities that are so central to his work. It has a great sense of mystery and horror that draws you in right from the start.
A Lovecraft story that is not too complex in terms of plot but still showcases his unique horror elements makes for a good first read. For example, if it has a clear inciting incident that leads to the discovery of the unknown or the supernatural. Something like 'The Outsider' where the main character's journey of self - discovery quickly turns into a terrifying encounter with the uncanny.
A good first Lovecraft story could be 'The Colour Out of Space'. It has a relatively straightforward plot compared to some of his more complex works and showcases his unique brand of horror. It involves a strange color that comes from a meteorite and the terrifying effects it has on a rural area. It's a great example of how Lovecraft can create a sense of unease and dread with seemingly ordinary things. Also, it doesn't require too much prior knowledge of his other works to enjoy.
One of Lovecraft's best - known stories is 'The Call of Cthulhu'. It's a classic that introduced the terrifying cosmic entity Cthulhu. The story builds a sense of dread through its use of unreliable narrators and the gradual revelation of a dark, otherworldly cult. It has influenced countless horror and dark fantasy works since its publication.
The 'lovecraft first story' is often important as it sets the tone for his later works. It might introduce the unique and often macabre elements that are characteristic of Lovecraft's writing, like the use of the unknown and the cosmic horror elements.
I think 'The Shadow over Innsmouth' is among the best. It has a great atmosphere of decay and mystery. The idea of the Deep Ones and the strange hybrid creatures in Innsmouth gives a sense of creeping dread. Lovecraft is masterful at making the reader feel as if there are dark secrets all around, and this story is a prime example.
I think 'The Call of Cthulhu' (the 2005 film) is an excellent adaptation. It uses stop - motion animation which gives it a unique and otherworldly feel. It adheres closely to Lovecraft's original story, depicting the terrifying cults and the awakening of the great Cthulhu. The mood and atmosphere are spot - on, really immersing the viewer into Lovecraft's nightmarish universe.
The first Lovecraft story is significant as it introduced his unique brand of horror. It often had elements of the unknown and the cosmic, which was quite new at the time. His use of strange settings, like the decaying New England towns, set the stage for his later works. It also began to establish his complex mythology, which would be further developed in subsequent stories.
The fact that 'Dagon' was Lovecraft's first story can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, it was among his initial attempts at writing horror fiction. In this story, he introduced ideas that he would later expand upon. For example, the concept of ancient, malevolent entities that exist beyond human understanding. The narrative structure and the use of a first - person narrator to convey the sense of horror were also new elements at that time for him, making it a starting point in his creative journey.
Well, Lovecraft's first published piece was 'The Hound'. It has that typical Lovecraftian feel to it. You've got these elements of the grotesque and the strange. It was a start to his exploration of the cosmic horror genre that he would later become so well - known for. There are these dark and shadowy undertones, and the story really sets the stage for his future works in terms of the kind of mood and themes he would explore.
You can start with 'The Call of Cthulhu' as it's one of his most famous works. It's relatively short and gives you a good taste of Lovecraft's style. Just pick up a copy, find a quiet place, and start reading. It'll introduce you to the world of his cosmic horror.