H.P Lovecraft's work continues to demand a following and rightly so. His tales of the Cthulhu Mythos push the boundaries of what can be achieved in literary fiction and his influence is noticeable in much of what we regard as contemporary horror today. If it wasn't for Lovecraft and his influence, writers like King and Barker would certainly not have achieved the body of work they have. People compare him on a level to Edgar Allan Poe, but in my mind at least Lovecraft is the more superior of the two writers and his scope and imagination the more expansive and challenging.

The relationship that the UK has with Lovecraft is a unique one and is finally recognised in H.P Lovecraft in Britain by Stephen Jones and illustrated by Les Edwards. It details the history of the late authors printed volumes of work in the UK. While compiling a book of tales on Lovecraft, Stephen Jones was given access to the original Victor Gollancz publishing files which consisted of around seventy-five letters and memos. From these and for the first time we can see the relationship between Arkham House that was run by August William Derleth and Victor Gollancz here in the UK - from the rather shaky start to the impressive collection - some of which are unique to Britain that we now have today.

This book is a real treat for any fan of Lovecraft and to be able to see contracts and letters published for the first time is a rare honour. It has certainly made me go back to my Lovecraft collection and reaffirm the affection I feel for this man who impressed me so much since the age of 13 when I first read him.

Hats must go off to Stephen Jones for sweetly writing this and for Les Edwards who's sublime artwork is just breathtaking and to the British Fantasy Society who published it. This is certainly a book you should get but hurry up. It's on a limited print run of 750 copies.

The commemarative edition of Necronomicon - The Best Tales of H.P Lovecraft has been compiled by Stephen Jones and is released on the 17th of April by Victor Gollancz and will be reviewed at a later date.