The Untold Legacy of Robert E. Howard's Classic Novels: Exploring the World of Conan and His Creator

Experience the thrilling world of sword and sorcery with Robert E. Howard's epic tales of Conan the Barbarian. Action-packed and full of adventure!

Robert E. Howard is a name that may not be well known to everyone, but his creations have certainly left an indelible mark on popular culture. Among his many works, the most famous is undoubtedly the character of Conan the Barbarian. Howard's books are filled with adventure, action, and a sense of danger that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. If you're looking for a good read that will take you on an epic journey, then look no further than the works of Robert E. Howard.

One of the first things that strikes readers about Howard's writing is its intense and vivid imagery. His descriptions of landscapes and battles are incredibly detailed, transporting readers to another time and place. In The Tower of the Elephant, for example, Howard paints a picture of a mystical tower that is both awe-inspiring and terrifying. His use of language is also masterful, drawing readers in with powerful words and phrases that capture the essence of his characters and their struggles.

In addition to his descriptive writing, Howard was also gifted at crafting compelling characters. Conan, for instance, is a complex figure: a warrior who is both ruthless and honorable, a leader who is feared and respected by his followers. Howard's ability to create such nuanced characters is what sets his work apart from other fantasy writers. Even minor characters in his stories are given depth and personality, making them come alive on the page.

Another aspect of Howard's writing that makes it so engaging is its fast-paced nature. His stories are filled with action and adventure, with characters constantly on the move and facing new challenges. From battling fierce monsters to rescuing damsels in distress, there is never a dull moment in Howard's books. His writing is a rollercoaster ride that keeps readers hooked from beginning to end.

Despite the fantastical elements of his stories, Howard's writing also touches on deeper themes and issues. In Red Nails, for example, he explores the corrupting influence of power and the dangers of isolationism. His stories often deal with issues of morality and ethics, forcing readers to confront difficult questions about right and wrong, good and evil. This adds a layer of complexity to his work that elevates it beyond mere entertainment.

It's not just Howard's storytelling ability that makes his books so appealing, however. His life story is also fascinating in its own right. Born in rural Texas in 1906, Howard struggled with depression and loneliness throughout his life. He began writing at a young age as a way to escape into his own imagination. Despite facing numerous rejections from publishers, he continued to write and eventually found success with his Conan stories. Sadly, Howard took his own life at the age of 30, leaving behind a legacy that would inspire generations of writers and readers.

Howard's influence can be seen in countless works of fiction that have followed in his footsteps. From the sword and sorcery genre to modern video games, his creations have left an indelible mark on popular culture. But even beyond his impact on the world of entertainment, Howard's writing remains a testament to the power of imagination and the importance of storytelling. Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer to his work, there is something truly special about the books of Robert E. Howard.

In conclusion, Robert E. Howard was a master storyteller who created some of the most iconic characters in fantasy literature. His books are filled with vivid imagery, compelling characters, and non-stop action. Beyond their entertainment value, however, Howard's stories also touch on deeper themes and issues that continue to resonate with readers today. His legacy lives on in the countless works of fiction that have been inspired by his writing, but there is truly nothing quite like the original works of Robert E. Howard.

The Life of Robert E. Howard

Robert E. Howard was an American author who lived from 1906 to 1936. He is best known for his creation of the character Conan the Barbarian, a legendary warrior from the Hyborian Age. Howard was born in Peaster, Texas and grew up in the small town of Cross Plains where he spent most of his life. He was an avid reader and writer from a young age, and his love of literature and history would go on to inspire his writing.

The Writing Style of Robert E. Howard

Howard’s writing style is characterized by its vivid descriptions, fast-paced action, and detailed world-building. He was a master of creating intricate fantasy worlds that were rich in history and mythology. His prose was often lyrical and poetic, with a strong sense of rhythm and flow. His stories were full of larger-than-life characters and epic battles that kept readers on the edge of their seats.

The Legacy of Conan the Barbarian

Conan the Barbarian is perhaps Howard’s most enduring creation. The character has appeared in countless books, comics, movies, and video games over the years, and has become an icon of the fantasy genre. Conan’s popularity has inspired countless imitators and has led to the development of an entire subgenre of sword-and-sorcery fiction.

The Themes of Robert E. Howard’s Work

One of the recurring themes in Howard’s work is the struggle between civilization and barbarism. His stories often pit heroic, individualistic characters against corrupt and oppressive societies. This theme reflects Howard’s own libertarian beliefs and his disdain for authority and control. Another theme that runs through Howard’s work is the idea of fate and destiny. Many of his characters are driven by a sense of purpose or destiny that they cannot escape.

The Importance of Howard’s Female Characters

Despite being a male-dominated genre, Howard’s work features many strong female characters who are just as capable as their male counterparts. Characters like Red Sonja and Valeria were fierce warriors who could hold their own in battle, and they often played important roles in the stories they appeared in. Howard’s female characters were not mere damsels in distress, but fully-realized individuals with their own motivations and desires.

The Tragic End of Robert E. Howard

Howard struggled with depression throughout his life, and his mental health deteriorated in the years leading up to his death. In 1936, at the age of 30, he committed suicide by shooting himself in the head. His death was a shock to his friends and family, who had no idea how much he was struggling. Howard’s legacy as one of the greatest fantasy writers of all time has only grown since his death, and his influence can be seen in countless works of fiction.

The Impact of Robert E. Howard’s Work

Howard’s impact on the fantasy genre cannot be overstated. His vivid imagination and masterful storytelling paved the way for future authors like J.R.R. Tolkien and George R.R. Martin. His creation of Conan the Barbarian has inspired countless imitators and has become an enduring icon of the genre. Howard’s work has also had a significant impact on popular culture, with characters like Conan and Red Sonja appearing in comic books, movies, and video games.

The Controversy Surrounding Howard’s Work

Despite his contributions to the genre, Howard’s work has been criticized for its depictions of race and gender. Some of his stories feature racist and sexist stereotypes that are offensive by today’s standards. Howard’s defenders argue that he was a product of his time and that his work should be judged in its historical context. Others argue that his work can and should be criticized for its problematic elements.

The Continuing Relevance of Howard’s Work

Despite the controversy surrounding his work, Howard’s legacy lives on. His stories continue to inspire new generations of writers and readers, and his characters remain beloved by fans around the world. As the fantasy genre continues to evolve and grow, it is important to remember the contributions of writers like Howard who helped shape it into what it is today.

The Importance of Robert E. Howard’s Legacy

Robert E. Howard was a master storyteller whose work has had a profound impact on the fantasy genre. His vivid imagination, fast-paced action, and detailed world-building have inspired countless authors and readers over the years. As we continue to explore the boundaries of the fantasy genre, it is important to remember the contributions of writers like Howard who helped pave the way for future generations. His legacy will continue to inspire and entertain for years to come.

The Early Life of Robert E. Howard: A Brief Overview

Robert E. Howard was born in 1906 in Peaster, Texas, and grew up in the small town of Cross Plains. From an early age, Howard showed a fascination with history, particularly the history of Texas, and began writing stories as a young boy. He was an avid reader of pulp magazines, which were popular at the time and would have a major influence on his writing style.

Howard's childhood was marked by tragedy, including the death of his mother when he was just fourteen years old. Despite this, Howard continued to write, often using his writing as an escape from the difficulties of his life. By the time he was eighteen, Howard had sold his first story to a pulp magazine, and he quickly became a prolific writer, publishing dozens of stories over the course of his career.

The Creation of Conan: A Behind-the-Scenes Look

One of Howard's most enduring characters is Conan the Barbarian, who first appeared in the pulp magazine Weird Tales in 1932. The character was an instant success, and Howard went on to write many more Conan stories over the next few years.

Howard's inspiration for Conan came from a variety of sources, including the works of H.P. Lovecraft and his own fascination with history. He described Conan as a barbarian adventurer, and the character quickly became known for his physical strength, cunning, and ability to survive in even the most dangerous situations.

Despite his popularity, Howard was not always happy with how Conan was portrayed in the various adaptations of his work, including movies and comic books. He believed that these adaptations often missed the point of the character and the world he had created.

Howard's Influence on the Sword and Sorcery Genre

Howard's work had a major influence on the sword and sorcery genre, which was popularized in the 1930s and 1940s. This genre was characterized by stories featuring heroic characters engaged in epic battles against supernatural creatures and evil wizards.

Howard's writing style, which was characterized by vivid descriptions, fast-paced action, and a focus on physical strength and adventure, helped to define the genre. His work inspired many other writers, including J.R.R. Tolkien, who cited Howard as an influence on his own work.

The Legacy of Solomon Kane: A Forgotten Hero

While Conan is undoubtedly Howard's most famous character, he also created many other memorable heroes. One of these is Solomon Kane, a Puritan adventurer who battled evil in sixteenth-century England and beyond.

Kane was a complex character, driven both by his sense of duty and his own inner demons. Despite his popularity at the time, Kane has been largely forgotten in recent years, overshadowed by the success of Conan and other characters.

Howard's Love of Poetry and its Impact on his Writing

One of the lesser-known aspects of Howard's writing is his love of poetry. He was an avid reader of poetry, particularly the works of Robert W. Service, and often incorporated poetic elements into his own stories.

Howard's use of language and imagery in his writing was heavily influenced by his love of poetry. He was able to create vivid, evocative descriptions that brought his characters and settings to life in a way that few other writers could match.

The Tragic End to Howard's Life: A Look at his Suicide

Despite his success as a writer, Howard struggled with depression and anxiety throughout his life. He was deeply affected by the death of his mother and the other tragedies that he experienced, and often used his writing as a way to cope with his emotions.

In 1936, Howard's girlfriend, who had been ill for some time, fell into a coma. In a moment of despair, Howard took his own life, leaving behind a legacy of memorable characters and stories.

Howard's Other Works Beyond Conan and Solomon Kane

While Conan and Solomon Kane are undoubtedly Howard's most famous creations, he also wrote many other stories and poems over the course of his career. These include westerns, horror stories, and historical fiction.

Many of these stories are lesser-known than Howard's more famous works, but they still showcase his talent as a writer and his ability to tell gripping, engaging stories across a variety of genres.

The Importance of Pulp Fiction in Howard's Career

Pulp magazines were a major part of Howard's career, and he published many of his stories in these magazines. These magazines were known for their cheap paper, lurid covers, and sensational stories, and they were popular with readers looking for escapist entertainment.

For Howard, pulp magazines offered a way to get his stories in front of a wide audience and make a living as a writer. Despite their reputation as lowbrow entertainment, pulp magazines played an important role in the development of American popular culture, and Howard was one of the most successful writers to emerge from this world.

Howard's Fascination with History and its Influence on his Writing

As a child, Howard was fascinated by history, particularly the history of Texas. This fascination stayed with him throughout his life, and he often incorporated historical elements into his stories.

Howard's love of history helped to give his stories a sense of authenticity and realism. He was able to create vivid, believable worlds that were grounded in real historical events and cultures.

The Enduring Popularity of Robert E. Howard's Fiction

Despite the fact that Howard died more than eighty years ago, his work continues to be popular with readers today. His characters, particularly Conan, have been adapted into movies, television shows, and comic books, and his influence can be seen in countless other works of fantasy and adventure fiction.

Howard's legacy as a writer is a testament to his talent and his ability to create memorable, engaging stories that continue to captivate readers of all ages. From the swashbuckling adventures of Conan to the brooding darkness of Solomon Kane, Howard's characters and stories continue to inspire and entertain readers around the world.

Point of View on Robert E Howard Books

Pros of Robert E Howard Books

As a reader of Robert E Howard books, I find myself drawn into the vivid worlds he creates. The rich descriptions of landscapes and characters make it easy to visualize the scenes as if they were playing out in front of me. The action-packed plots leave me on the edge of my seat, eager to see what happens next.

Another advantage of Robert E Howard's writing is his ability to create unique and memorable characters. From Conan the Barbarian to Solomon Kane, his protagonists are not only physically impressive, but also possess complex personalities that make them more than just one-dimensional heroes.

Cons of Robert E Howard Books

One potential drawback of Robert E Howard's books is that they can be overly violent and graphic. Some readers may find the depictions of bloodshed and brutality to be off-putting or gratuitous.

Additionally, some critics have accused Howard of perpetuating negative stereotypes about women and people of color in his writing. While it's true that his work reflects the attitudes of his time, it's important to recognize these problematic elements and view them through a critical lens.

Comparison of Robert E Howard Series

Conan the Barbarian Series vs. Solomon Kane Series

	Conan the Barbarian Series	Solomon Kane Series
Protagonist	Conan, a mighty warrior from Cimmeria	Solomon Kane, a Puritan adventurer
Setting	Ancient Hyborian Age	16th century Europe and Africa
Themes	Violence, survival, honor, adventure	Good vs. evil, redemption, moral ambiguity
Style	High fantasy with elements of sword and sorcery	Gothic horror with elements of pulp fiction

In conclusion, Robert E Howard's books offer readers a thrilling escape into imaginative worlds full of action and adventure. While some may find his writing style and content to be problematic, there is no denying the impact he has had on the fantasy and adventure genres.

Concluding Thoughts on Robert E. Howard’s Books

Thank you for taking the time to read about Robert E. Howard and his literary works. It is our hope that this article has provided you with insights into the life and creative genius of one of the greatest pulp fiction writers of the 20th century.

As we have discussed in this article, Howard’s stories are not only entertaining but also thought-provoking. They offer a glimpse into a world that was vastly different from the one we know today. His works are a testament to his imagination, skill, and passion for storytelling.

If you have never read any of Howard's books, we highly recommend that you give them a try. You will be transported to a world of adventure, danger, and excitement. You will meet unforgettable characters and experience thrilling action sequences that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

One of the most remarkable things about Howard's writing is his ability to create complex and compelling characters. Conan the Barbarian, Solomon Kane, and Kull of Atlantis are just some of the memorable characters that he created. These characters are not just one-dimensional heroes or villains; they are flawed, nuanced, and multi-dimensional beings that make them relatable to readers.

Another aspect of Howard's writing that stands out is his masterful use of language. His prose is rich, vivid, and evocative. He paints a picture of the worlds he creates with such skill that it feels like you are right there alongside his characters.

Howard’s works have been adapted into movies, comics, and video games, but nothing can compare to the original stories. His words have an unmatched power that can only be fully appreciated by reading them in their original form.

In conclusion, Robert E. Howard’s books are timeless classics that have stood the test of time. They are as relevant and captivating today as they were when they were first published. We urge you to delve into his writing and discover the magic for yourself.

Thank you once again for visiting our blog and taking the time to read about Robert E. Howard and his literary legacy. We hope that this article has inspired you to explore his works and perhaps even become a fan.

We leave you with these words from Howard himself, “I have lived in the world created by my own imagination, and I will continue to live there until I die.”