The Terrible Old Man

Title: The Terrible Old Man

Author: H. P. Lovecraft

Narrator: Jonathan Dunne

Original Publication: 1921

Public Domain: Yes

Series Placement: Number 18 in the Timeless Terrors series

Description:

The Terrible Old Man by H. P. Lovecraft is a chilling short tale first published in 1921. In the coastal town of Kingsport, a reclusive old sailor is whispered about by townsfolk. When three thieves attempt to rob him, they discover that some men—and some houses—harbor powers both strange and deadly. Lovecraft’s story blends uncanny suspense with dark humor, creating a memorable tale of retribution and cosmic dread.

Narrated by Jonathan Dunne, this recording captures the story’s eerie atmosphere, suspense, and Lovecraft’s signature blend of the mundane with the supernatural. While the text is in the public domain, this performance is an original work and copyright © 2025 Jonathan Dunne.

This audiobook is part of Timeless Terrors, a dedicated series bringing classic horror back to life — stories from the great masters of the macabre, narrated afresh to haunt a new generation.

Listeners should be prepared for a brief but unsettling exploration of greed, mystery, and the hidden powers that dwell in the ordinary world.