During the winter of 1927-28 officials of the Federal government made a strange and secret investigation of certain conditions in the ancient Massachusetts seaport of Innsmouth. The public first learned of it in February, when a vast series of raids and arrests occurred, followed by the deliberate burning and dynamiting-under suitable precautions-of an enormous number of crumbling, worm-eaten, and supposedly empty houses along the abandoned waterfront. Uninquiring souls let this occurrence pass as one of the major clashes in a spasmodic war on liquor. Keener news-followers, however, wondered at the prodigious number of arrests, the abnormally large force of men used in making them, and the secrecy surrounding the disposal of the prisoners. No trials, or even definite charges were reported; nor were any of the captives seen thereafter in the regular gaols of the nation. The truth, however, could drive a man mad.

Howard Phillips Lovecraft (1890-1937) was an American writer born in Providence, Rhode Island. Best known for his work in the science, fantasy, and horror fiction genres, Lovecraft's writings are now studied worldwide. One of his most famous creations is the Cthulhu Mythos. Although he was unable to support himself through writing during his lifetime, Lovecraft's legacy has lived on. Many well-established horror authors have cited Lovecraft as a major influence.