The Case of Charles Dexter Ward

audiobook (Unabridged)

By H. P. Lovecraft

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Dark, atmospheric, and steeped in occult dread, The Case of Charles Dexter Ward is H. P. Lovecraft's only full-length novel, and one of his most chilling explorations of necromancy, ancestral evil, and the limits of human knowledge. Written in 1927 but published posthumously in 1941, it has since become a cornerstone of the Cthulhu Mythos.

The story follows Charles Dexter Ward, a curious young antiquarian from Providence, Rhode Island, whose fascination with his ancestor Joseph Curwen—a sinister figure rumored to have dabbled in forbidden arts—leads him down a dangerous path. Obsessed with uncovering Curwen's secrets, Ward discovers evidence of horrific experiments in alchemy and necromancy that blur the boundaries between life and death. As Ward's behavior grows increasingly erratic, his family enlists Dr. Marinus Willett, whose investigations reveal a truth more horrifying than they could ever imagine.

Lovecraft masterfully intertwines local history, Gothic atmosphere, and cosmic horror, creating a tale of inherited corruption and the dangers of tampering with powers beyond comprehension. With its vivid descriptions of shadowy crypts, arcane rituals, and unspeakable revelations, the novel immerses listeners in a world where the past refuses to stay buried.

This audiobook edition brings Lovecraft's longest and most ambitious narrative to life, delivering both the creeping suspense of Gothic fiction and the cosmic unease that defines his mythos. Essential for fans of horror, supernatural thrillers, and stories of dark obsession, The Case of Charles Dexter Ward remains one of Lovecraft's most haunting achievements.

The Case of Charles Dexter Ward