'The Outsider' / Lovecraft's Dream Cycle

Lovecraft's Dream Cycle (14 of 17)

"The Outsider" is a short story by American horror writer H. P. Lovecraft. Written between March and August 1921, it was first published in Weird Tales, April 1926. In this work, a mysterious man who has been living alone in a castle for as long as he can remember decides to break free in search of human contact and light. "The Outsider" is one of Lovecraft's most commonly reprinted works and is also one of the most popular stories ever to be published in Weird Tales.

Narrated by Ian Gordon for HorrorBabble
Music and production by Ian Gordon

Image used with the permission of M. Crassus:

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[sayak]

I'm a software engineer from India. I loved reading books specifically horror stories in my teens. Now, when I'm working 45+ hrs a week, I don't l get much time to read. I'm indebted to this channel for their audio books. They've been really helpful in my destressing process.

[howardlovecraft]

They're many opinions of the man Lovecraft, but one thing's certain he was a writing genius.

[munderpool]

The language was so rich and not a syllable was bereft of meaning, This was one of the finest short stories ever written. That narration gave it the life it deserved as well.

[thefoxchronicles]

I had my suspicions that it was a mirror!! This is actually really great! Thanks!!!!

[donaldmccleary]

This is a fantastic and well-written story. The details flow a d so mich detail is conveyed in a short time.

This is one of the first Lovecraft stories I read, and it remains one of my favorite stories in general. This is a true work of art.

Your narration of this literary treasure is fantastic. Thank you for narrating this tale!

The image on the screen for this recording is amazing! I love it!

Thanks!

[briangreen]

This is one of my favorites and I especially love the perception motif.

[RepublicConstitution]

It is just unfair how good you are. It's like wanting to be a good running back and watching Barry Sanders. Makes you want to give up before you start.

[ScooterzTubezor]

You're too good at reading these wonderful tales! Will keep sharing them with everyone I know

[Orourkebanjo]

My favorite Lovecraft story. Thank you for posting.

[Bbergster]

The Dream Cycle is my go to for R & R, and for whatever reason I had never really listened to this thoroughly. Must have been passing out before it. Dream-quest of Unknown Kardath has become a lullaby for my night brain. So, Im pretty hyped to find a new piece of the crazy intense puzzle that is old HP's work. Love the slimy, cold, dank stone climbing parts. Always with the aged crumbling masonary.

[robbabcock_]

This is one of my absolute favorite short stories! Thanks!🙏👻👍

[uncannyposthuman]

Never have I related more to a story, and this is the definitive reading of it. Thank you, HorrorBabble.

[vali]

One of my favorite among Lovecraft’s stories. Definitely subscribing.

[litaholic]

Gripping, spiritually and mentally ingratiating and exuberant prose that fascinates and horrifies you all at once. By far one of my favorite Lovecraftian tales and it is a shining example of his unique and captivating writing talent. Somehow this story resonated with me a lot more than I initially thought and felt more connected to Lovecraft the man as it ran its course.

[MrZooBreak]

The reading of this Lovecraft classic is absolutely brilliant. The tone, the meter, the grittiness--simply superb. Bravo!

[rabbitrhett]

I feel like I need to express this. Me and my dad listened to this once and we definitely consider this reading only inferior to the famous Roddy McDowell reading. But here is the main difference.

The voice brought into this brought in a sense of age and self reflection where as McDowell brought a sense of regret. These are things that people need to ask themselves as people look at multiple versions of the same story. And it is as simple as what you brought to the narrative. Either way this is a great reading.

One thing I find interesting is the idea of what this place is. What is this world under the church that the outsider lives. Is it just a memory hidden within a tomb, or a dream only noticed by the one who lived within it. A question to ask as later it’s described that the Outsider can’t just return. Because now his sense of isolation and normality is gone.

Another thing I enjoy is the references that Lovecraft gives to Shelley’s Frankenstein. The Outsider you can say is similar to the monster as he reads Milton’s Paradise Lost. Learning of god’s creation of man and man’s new ability to lie. Was the outsider made from a “father” like the monster was, or is this something that was self done? Creating his own birth and life in a world of isolation?

Either way I still find this one a curious story and depending on who read it I find myself contemplating what is being said. I see why it was greatly enjoyed when it was first published in Weird Tales. I appreciate you sharing this and I look forward to hearing more =D.

[badas]

Yep.I feel that way at party's as well

[Anon]

In the dark of the night I was tossing and turning
I was having a nightmare as bad as could be
It scared me out of my wits
A corpse falling to bits
Then I woke up and saw that the nightmare was me!

[joeomalley]

Great reading style. You give the story the ambience and atmosphere it deserves. Thanks !

[PackLeader]

Maybe his greatest story ever. Definitely my favorite. I've listened to your Lovecraft readings several times each. Thank you for the wonderful narration. What is your pen name? I remember you mentioning that you authored a few short stories.