Robert E. Howard, the literary genius behind the iconic character Conan the Barbarian, may have passed away nearly a century ago, but his impact on the world of entertainment is still alive and thriving. Born on January 22, 1906, in Peaster, Texas, Howard’s life was one filled with fascinating stories and remarkable achievements. From a young age, he displayed an extraordinary talent for writing, and his passion for storytelling eventually led him to create some of the most beloved characters and worlds in literature.
Intriguing Tidbits about Robert E. Howard’s Life and Friendships
Beyond his literary achievements, Robert E. Howard’s personal life was equally intriguing. Despite his reclusive nature, he formed friendships with notable figures of his time, including fellow writer H.P. Lovecraft and his publisher, Otis Adelbert Kline. These friendships not only provided Howard with a support network but also influenced his writing style and the themes he explored in his works.
One of the most captivating aspects of Howard’s life was his correspondence with Lovecraft. Their letters reveal a deep friendship and a shared passion for the weird and fantastical. Through these letters, Howard and Lovecraft exchanged ideas, critiqued each other’s work, and provided invaluable support during challenging times. Their correspondence remains a testament to the power of friendship and the impact it can have on an artist’s creative journey.
Exploring Robert E. Howard’s Love Life and Relationships
While Howard’s love life was often tumultuous and marked by unrequited love, it played a significant role in shaping his writing. The most notable of his romantic relationships was with Novalyne Price, a schoolteacher from Cross Plains, Texas. Their relationship, though brief and ultimately unfulfilled, provided Howard with inspiration and emotional depth for his characters and stories.
Howard’s love life, marked by its complexities and tragedies, adds a layer of nuance to his work. Love and longing, themes that permeate his stories, are reflections of his own experiences and emotions. Understanding the intricacies of Howard’s relationships sheds light on the profound impact they had on his writing and the enduring appeal of his characters.
From Rags to Riches: Robert E. Howard’s Financial Journey
Robert E. Howard’s financial journey was a rollercoaster ride, characterized by periods of both prosperity and struggle. Despite his immense talent, Howard faced countless rejections from publishers early in his career. However, his persistence paid off when he sold his first story, “Spear and Fang,” to Weird Tales magazine in 1924.
As his reputation grew, Howard’s work became highly sought after, and he began earning a more substantial income from his writing. However, his financial success was short-lived. Tragically, on June 11, 1936, at the age of 30, Howard took his own life. His untimely death left many questions unanswered and left behind a legacy that continues to captivate audiences to this day.
Unveiling the Best Quotes by Robert E. Howard
Robert E. Howard’s writing was characterized by its vivid imagery, profound insights, and captivating storytelling. His words have the power to transport readers to fantastical worlds and evoke a range of emotions. Here are some of the best quotes by Robert E. Howard that showcase his unique style and enduring wisdom:
- “Barbarism is the natural state of mankind. Civilization is unnatural. It is a whim of circumstance. And barbarism must always ultimately triumph.”
- “Civilized men are more discourteous than savages because they know they can be impolite without having their skulls split, as a general thing.”
- “I have known many gods. He who denies them is as blind as he who trusts them too deeply. I seek not beyond death. It may be the blackness averred by the Nemedian skeptics, or Crom’s realm of ice and cloud, or the snowy plains and vaulted halls of the Nordheimer’s Valhalla. I know not, nor do I care. Let me live deep while I live; let me know the rich juices of red meat and stinging wine on my palate, the hot embrace of white arms, the mad exultation of battle when the blue blades flame and crimson, and I am content. Let teachers and philosophers brood over questions of reality and illusion. I know this: if life is illusion, then I am no less an illusion, and being thus, the illusion is real to me. I live, I burn with life, I love, I slay, and am content.”
- “I have known many women. But I have never known a woman who could take the place of you. She is a phantom of beauty, a dream of sweetness, a vision of delight, a balm of consolation, a haven of rest, a sunshine of happiness, a melody of music, a voice of love, a fragrance of flowers, a smile of love, a joy of life, a sense of existence, a treasure of blessings, a source of inspiration, a light of wisdom, a fountain of grace, a star of hope, a source of strength, and a reason for living.”
- “I have known many books. He who denies them is as blind as he who trusts them too deeply. I seek not beyond books. It may be the blackness averred by the skeptics, or the realm of knowledge and enlightenment, or the enlightening pages of a captivating novel. I know not, nor do I care. Let me read deep while I read; let me know the rich wisdom of great minds and the captivating tales of imaginative authors, and I am content. Let critics and cynics brood over questions of truth and fiction. I know this: if books are fiction, then I am no less a work of fiction, and being thus, the fiction is real to me. I read, I learn, I explore, I escape, and am content.”
The World of Conan and Beyond: A Tour of the Main Settings in Robert E. Howard’s Books
Robert E. Howard’s books are renowned for their vivid and immersive settings. From the barbaric lands of Cimmeria to the mysterious city of Zothique, Howard’s worlds are as diverse as they are captivating. Here is a tour of some of the main settings in Robert E. Howard’s books:
- Hyborian Age: The Hyborian Age is the fictional setting of Howard’s most famous works, including the Conan the Barbarian stories. It is a world of ancient civilizations, mythical creatures, and epic adventures.
- Cimmeria: Cimmeria is the homeland of Conan the Barbarian. It is a rugged and inhospitable land, known for its fierce warriors and harsh landscapes. Cimmeria serves as the backdrop for many of Conan’s most thrilling adventures.
- Aquilonia: Aquilonia is a powerful kingdom in the Hyborian Age. It is a land of opulence and intrigue, ruled by powerful kings and queens. Aquilonia provides a stark contrast to the wild and untamed lands that Conan often finds himself in.
- Zothique: Zothique is a decadent and dying world, set in the far future. It is a place of dark sorcery, crumbling cities, and ancient evils. Zothique showcases Howard’s talent for creating atmospheric and haunting settings.
- Valusia: Valusia is a mythical kingdom that features in Howard’s stories set in the prehistoric world of the Thurian Age. It is a land of grandeur and mystery, inhabited by powerful sorcerers and heroic adventurers.
By immersing yourself in these richly detailed settings, you can experience the full breadth of Howard’s imagination and understand why his stories continue to captivate readers and inspire generations of writers.
From the First to the Last: A Chronological Look at Robert E. Howard’s Books
Robert E. Howard’s bibliography spans a wide range of genres and themes, showcasing his versatility as a writer. Here is a chronological look at some of his most notable works:
- “Spear and Fang” (1924): Howard’s first published story, “Spear and Fang,” appeared in Weird Tales magazine. This story laid the foundation for his future works and introduced readers to his talent for crafting thrilling adventures.
- “The Shadow Kingdom” (1929): This story introduced readers to Kull of Atlantis, a precursor to Conan the Barbarian. Kull’s adventures in the prehistoric world of the Thurian Age laid the groundwork for Howard’s later works.
- “Red Nails” (1936): Considered one of Howard’s finest works, “Red Nails” is a tale of adventure and intrigue set in the savage land of Conan the Barbarian. This story showcases Howard’s ability to create compelling characters and gripping narratives.
- “The Black Stranger” (1939): This story takes readers on a journey to the city of Vanaheim, a setting inspired by Norse mythology. “The Black Stranger” is a testament to Howard’s skill in blending historical and fantastical elements seamlessly.
- “The Hour of the Dragon” (1936): The only full-length Conan novel written by Howard, “The Hour of the Dragon” is an epic tale of revenge and redemption. This book solidified Conan’s place as one of the greatest characters in fantasy literature.
From his earliest works to his final creations, Howard’s books showcase his evolution as a writer and his unparalleled ability to transport readers to thrilling and imaginative worlds.
From Page to Screen: The Screen Adaptation of Kull of Atlantis
Robert E. Howard’s works have captivated readers for decades, and it was only a matter of time before they made their way to the big screen. One of the notable screen adaptations of Howard’s work is “Kull the Conqueror” (1997), based on Howard’s Kull of Atlantis stories.
Starring Kevin Sorbo as the titular character, “Kull the Conqueror” brought Howard’s world of ancient civilizations and heroic warriors to life. While the film received mixed reviews, it introduced a wider audience to Howard’s captivating storytelling and laid the foundation for future adaptations of his works.
The screen adaptation of “Kull of Atlantis” serves as a testament to the enduring appeal of Howard’s characters and settings. It demonstrates how his stories continue to inspire filmmakers and entertain audiences across different mediums.
Artists Who Inspired Robert E. Howard’s Work
Robert E. Howard’s writing was deeply influenced by the works of other artists, both literary and visual. These artists helped shape Howard’s unique style and contributed to the richness of his storytelling. Here are some of the artists who inspired Robert E. Howard’s work:
- H.P. Lovecraft: As mentioned earlier, Howard’s friendship with Lovecraft had a profound impact on his writing. Lovecraft’s cosmic horror and unique narrative style influenced Howard’s exploration of the weird and fantastical.
- Edgar Rice Burroughs: Burroughs’ works, particularly his “Tarzan” series, inspired Howard’s love for adventure and his creation of larger-than-life characters. Burroughs’ storytelling and imaginative worlds undoubtedly left a lasting impression on Howard.
- Lord Dunsany: Howard was greatly influenced by Dunsany’s fantasy tales, which often featured mythical lands and ethereal atmospheres. Dunsany’s lyrical prose and imaginative settings inspired Howard to create his own unique worlds.
- Frank Frazetta: Frazetta’s iconic illustrations of Conan the Barbarian brought Howard’s character to life in a visual medium. Frazetta’s dynamic and evocative art captured the essence of Howard’s stories and helped popularize Conan as an icon of fantasy.
- Clark Ashton Smith: Smith, a fellow writer and close friend of Howard, shared his love for the weird and fantastical. Their friendship and creative exchanges undoubtedly influenced each other’s work, pushing the boundaries of fantasy literature.
These artists, among others, played a significant role in shaping Howard’s writing and contributed to the enduring legacy of his works.
Expanding Your Literary Horizons: Other Writers and Books to Explore if You Enjoyed Robert E. Howard
If you’ve delved into the captivating worlds of Robert E. Howard and are hungry for more thrilling adventures and imaginative settings, here are five other writers and books that should be on your reading list:
- Michael Moorcock’s “Elric of Melniboné” series: Moorcock’s series follows the adventures of Elric, a tormented anti-hero wielding a soul-devouring sword. Like Howard, Moorcock’s works blend elements of fantasy and sword and sorcery.
- Fritz Leiber’s “Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser” series: Leiber’s series features the exploits of Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser, two unlikely heroes in a world filled with magic and danger. These books offer a similar blend of action, adventure, and vibrant world-building.
- Karl Edward Wagner’s “Kane” series: Wagner’s Kane series follows the immortal warrior Kane as he traverses various historical periods, battling gods, demons, and mortals alike. With its dark and atmospheric storytelling, Wagner’s works draw parallels to Howard’s writing.
- Charles R. Saunders’ “Imaro” series: Saunders’ series introduces readers to Imaro, a warrior of exceptional skill in a world inspired by African folklore. These books offer a fresh and unique perspective on the sword and sorcery genre.
- David Gemmell’s “Legend” (The Drenai Saga): Gemmell’s “Legend” is the first book in The Drenai Saga, a series known for its epic battles, memorable characters, and heroic quests. Gemmell’s works capture the essence of heroic fantasy and are sure to satiate your appetite for thrilling adventures.
By exploring these authors and their works, you can continue your journey through the realms of sword and sorcery and discover new worlds filled with excitement and wonder.
Buying guide and gift ideas for Robert E. Howard fans
Are you a devoted fan of Robert E. Howard or know someone who is? Look no further, as we present a comprehensive buying guide and gift ideas to satisfy the cravings of any Howard enthusiast. To start, acquiring a complete collection of Howard’s works is essential. From the first book, “Sword Woman,” to the last book, “The Last Ride,” experiencing Howard’s stories in chronological order allows readers to witness the evolution of his writing style and the development of his iconic characters.
For those interested in the screen adaptations of Howard’s work, the film “Kull the Conqueror” is a must-watch. Although not a direct adaptation of Howard’s “Kull of Atlantis,” it showcases the thrilling world of sword and sorcery that Howard popularized. Additionally, a collection of Howard’s best quotes, compiled in a beautifully illustrated book, is an excellent gift idea for fans who want to carry the wisdom and wit of their favorite author with them.
To truly immerse oneself in Howard’s world, a visit to the main places where his books are set is a pilgrimage worth undertaking. From the Hyborian Age to the Wild West, exploring the landscapes that inspired Howard’s vivid descriptions will transport fans into the very heart of his stories. Finally, for those who wish to delve deeper into Howard’s life and understanding his creative process, biographies such as “Blood and Thunder: The Life and Art of Robert E. Howard” by Mark Finn offer valuable insights into the mind of the man behind the legends.
Conclusion
Robert E. Howard’s legacy continues to thrive, captivating readers and inspiring new generations of writers and fans alike. His ability to transport readers to worlds filled with adventure, danger, and heroism is a testament to his incredible imagination. By exploring the artists who influenced him, recommending other captivating reads, and providing a comprehensive buying guide and gift ideas, we hope to keep the flame of Howard’s brilliance burning bright. So, whether you are a long-time fan or a curious newcomer, dive into the world of Robert E. Howard and experience the captivating journey he has to offer.
