Cool Air
1928
Cool Air is a short story by H. P. Lovecraft, first published in 1928. The narrative follows an unnamed narrator who moves into a boarding house in New York City and befriends the reclusive Doctor Muñoz, who insists on living in a frigid environment for his health. As their friendship develops, the narrator uncovers the horrifying truth behind the doctor's obsession with artificial refrigeration and his grotesque experiments related to life and death. This chilling tale explores themes of dark science and the boundaries of existence.
Editions
X-Ray
“It might, too, have been the singular cold that alienated me; for such chilliness was abnormal on so hot a day, and the abnormal always excites aversion, distrust, and fear.””
— H. P. Lovecraft
“the abnormal alway excites aversion, distrust, and fear””
— H. P. Lovecraft
“The moribund hermit’s rage and fear, swelling to grotesque proportions, seemed likely to shatter what remained of his failing physique; and once a spasm caused him to clap his hands to his eyes and rush into the bathroom. He groped his way out with face tightly bandaged, and I never saw his eyes again.””
— H. P. Lovecraft
