Robert E. Howard
Robert E. Howard: A Literary Titan of Sword and Sorcery
Full Name and Common Aliases
Full Name: Robert Ervin Howard
Common Aliases: REH, Two-Gun Bob
Birth and Death Dates
Born: January 22, 1906
Died: June 11, 1936
Nationality and Profession(s)
Nationality: American
Profession(s): Author, Poet
Early Life and Background
Robert Ervin Howard was born in the small town of Peaster, Texas, in 1906. His father, Dr. Isaac Mordecai Howard, was a traveling country physician, and his mother, Hester Jane Ervin Howard, was a former schoolteacher. The family moved frequently during Howard's early years, which exposed him to the diverse cultural tapestry of the American Southwest. This nomadic lifestyle, coupled with his mother's love for literature, instilled in Howard a deep appreciation for storytelling and history.
Howard's early education was sporadic due to the family's frequent relocations, but he was an avid reader from a young age. He devoured works of classical literature, history, and adventure, which would later influence his own writing. By the time he was a teenager, Howard had already begun crafting his own stories, drawing inspiration from the rugged landscapes and colorful characters he encountered in Texas.
Major Accomplishments
Robert E. Howard is best known as the father of the sword and sorcery subgenre, a distinction he earned through his creation of the iconic character Conan the Barbarian. His stories, characterized by their vivid action, rich world-building, and complex characters, were groundbreaking in their time and continue to captivate readers today.
Howard's work was primarily published in pulp magazines, most notably "Weird Tales," where he found a receptive audience for his tales of adventure and fantasy. Despite his relatively short career, Howard was incredibly prolific, producing a vast body of work that included not only fantasy but also horror, westerns, and historical fiction.
Notable Works or Actions
Among Howard's most notable works are the Conan the Barbarian series, which includes stories such as "The Phoenix on the Sword," "The Tower of the Elephant," and "Red Nails." These tales are set in the fictional Hyborian Age, a richly detailed world that Howard meticulously crafted, drawing on his extensive knowledge of history and mythology.
In addition to Conan, Howard created other memorable characters such as Solomon Kane, a Puritan adventurer, and Kull of Atlantis, a precursor to Conan. His ability to blend elements of fantasy, horror, and adventure set his work apart and established him as a master of the pulp fiction genre.
Impact and Legacy
Robert E. Howard's impact on the literary world is profound. He is credited with popularizing the sword and sorcery genre, influencing countless writers who followed in his footsteps. His creation of Conan the Barbarian has become a cultural icon, inspiring adaptations in film, television, comics, and video games.
Howard's work has been praised for its dynamic storytelling, complex characters, and immersive settings. His ability to transport readers to fantastical worlds filled with danger and intrigue has ensured his stories remain popular nearly a century after they were first published.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Robert E. Howard is widely quoted and remembered for his unparalleled contributions to the fantasy genre. His vivid prose and imaginative storytelling have left an indelible mark on popular culture. Quotes from his works often capture the essence of adventure, the struggle between good and evil, and the indomitable spirit of his characters.
Howard's legacy endures not only through his own writings but also through the countless authors and creators he has inspired. His ability to craft compelling narratives that resonate with readers across generations is a testament to his skill as a storyteller and his enduring influence on the world of literature.
In conclusion, Robert E. Howard's life and work continue to be celebrated for their originality, creativity, and impact on the fantasy genre. His stories of heroism, adventure, and the human condition remain as relevant and engaging today as they were when they first captured the imaginations of readers in the early 20th century.
Quotes by Robert E. Howard
Robert E. Howard's insights on:
The wild hetman stood like a statue for a space, dimly grasping something of the cosmic tragedy of the fitful ephemera called mankind and the hooded shapes of darkness which prey upon it.
Suddenly the black torturer laid down the pipes and rose, towering over the writhing white figure.
Barbarism is the natural state of mankind,” the borderer said, still staring somberly at the Cimmerian. “Civilization is unnatural. It is a whim of circumstance. And barbarism must always ultimately triumph.
He was like a tiger among baboons as he leaped, side-stepped and spun, offering an ever-moving target, while his ax wove a shining wheel of death about him. For.
He saw no particular humor in it, and was too new to civilization to understand its discourtesies. Civilized men are more discourteous than savages because they know they can be impolite without having their skulls split, as a general thing. He was bewildered and chagrined, and doubtless would have slunk away, abashed, but the Kothian chose.
So Conan, glaring from under his tousled mane, saw the white naked figure of Natala writhing in the lustful grasp of a black nightmare shape that could have only been bred in the lost pits of hell. The.
He was no defensive fighter; even in the teeth of overwhelming odds he always carried the war to the enemy.
My characters are more like men than these real men are, see. They’re rough and rude, they got hands and they got bellies. They hate and they lust; break the skin of civilization and you find the ape, roaring and red-handed.
I think the real reason so many youngsters are clamoring for freedom of some vague sort, is because of unrest and dissatisfaction with present conditions; I don’t believe this machine age gives full satisfaction in a spiritual way, if the term may be allowed.
Kothian culture and religion had suffered from a subtle admix ture of Shemite and Stygian strains.