Short Story: The Library of Babel
Miskatonic University Miskatonic University

Short Story: The Library of Babel

The universe (which others call the Library) is composed of an indefinite and perhaps infinite number of hexagonal galleries, with vast air shafts between, surrounded by very low railings. From any of the hexagons one can see, interminably, the upper and lower floors. The distribution of the galleries is invariable. Twenty shelves, five long shelves per side, cover all the sides except two; their height, which is the distance from floor to ceiling, scarcely exceeds that of a normal bookcase. One of the free sides leads to a narrow hallway which opens onto another gallery, identical to the first and to all the rest. To the left and right of the hallway there are two very small closets. In the first, one may sleep standing up; in the other, satisfy one's fecal necessities. Also through here passes a spiral stairway, which sinks abysmally and soars upwards to remote distances. In the hallway there is a mirror which faithfully duplicates all appearances.

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Short Story: Nyarlathotep
Miskatonic University Miskatonic University

Short Story: Nyarlathotep

Nyarlathotep . . . the crawling chaos . . . I am the last . . . I will tell the audient void. . . .

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Poem: Nemesis
Miskatonic University Miskatonic University

Poem: Nemesis

Thro’ the ghoul-guarded gateways of slumber,

Past the wan-moon’d abysses of night,

I have liv’d o’er my lives without number,

I have sounded all things with my sight;

And I struggle and shriek ere the daybreak, being driven to madness with fright.

…

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The King in Yellow: Book Summary and Analysis
Joel Furches Joel Furches

The King in Yellow: Book Summary and Analysis

In 1895, Edward Chambers published a book of short stories entitled “The King in Yellow.” The book became a big influence for H.P. Lovecraft, and he incorporated elements of The King in Yellow into his mythology. Among the things that this book shaped in Lovecraft’s writing were the Elder Sign, Nyrlathotep, and, most importantly, the Necronomicon.

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