Dr. William Dyer of Miskatonic University recounts the events of adisastrous expedition to Antarctica led by him in September 1930, andwhat they found there. Throughout the story, Dyer details a series ofnever-before-told events in the hope of deterring another group ofexplorers who wish to return to that continent. These events includethe discovery of an ancient civilization older than the human race,and realization of Earth's past told through various sculptures andmurals.
This story has been adapted and used for graphic novels,video games, and musical works.
Although Lovecraft earned thehighest remuneration he had ever received for a story, the novella was received negatively during Lovecraft's lifetime, and Lovecraft stated that its hostile reception had done "more than anything to end myeffective fictional career."