The Case of Charles Dexter Ward

Name: The Case of Charles Dexter Ward
Author: H.P. Lovecraft

The story revolves around a young man named Charles Dexter Ward who discovers he has inherited the body of his ancestor, Joseph Curwen, a notorious sorcerer from the 17th century. As Ward delves deeper into his family's dark past, he becomes increasingly obsessed with uncovering the secrets of Curwen's life and death. Ward's investigation leads him to uncover evidence of Curwen's involvement in witchcraft and human sacrifice, and he begins to experience strange and terrifying occurrences that suggest he is being drawn into a world of supernatural horror. As Ward's obsession grows, his grip on reality begins to slip, and he becomes increasingly isolated from the people around him. The story builds towards a climactic confrontation between Ward and the forces of darkness that have been awakened by his meddling with the occult. Along the way, it explores themes of identity, family history, and the dangers of delving too deep into the mysteries of the past.

By H.P. Lovecraft · First published 1927 · Genre: Horror, Gothic Fiction, Weird Fiction · 25 chapters · 56,997 words

First lines

"The essential Saltes of Animals may be so prepared and preserved, that an ingenious Man may have the whole Ark of Noah in his own Studie, and raise the fine Shape of an Animal out of its Ashes at his Pleasure; and by the lyke Method from the essential Saltes of humane Dust, a Philosopher may, without any criminal Necromancy, call up the Shape of any dead Ancestour from the Dust whereinto his Bodie has been incinerated. " - BORELLUS

What this Textopian page supports

The Case of Charles Dexter Ward is listed on Textopian as a novel by H.P. Lovecraft, dated 1927 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Novel
Author: H.P. Lovecraft
Date: 1927 CE
Language: English
Genres: Horror, Gothic Fiction, Weird Fiction, Fantasy, Mystery
Length: 56,997 words
Structure: 25 chapters, 319 paragraphs
Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)

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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Horror — The narrative explores themes of madness, the supernatural, and the unknown, creating a pervasive sense of dread.
Gothic Fiction — The setting and atmosphere are characterized by decay, mystery, and a focus on ancestral secrets.
Weird Fiction — The story incorporates elements of the bizarre and the uncanny, blending reality with the fantastical.
Fantasy — The plot involves magical elements and ancient lore that transcend the ordinary world.