Robert E. Howard
Robert E. Howard (1906-1936) was an American writer, the creator of Conan the Barbarian and the father of the 'sword and sorcery' genre. One of the most influential pulp-fiction authors of all time, his muscular, fast-paced tales of heroes and dark magic have inspired fantasy fiction, film, and gaming ever since.
His most famous creation, Conan the Cimmerian, is a wandering warrior in a savage, mythic prehistoric age, appearing in a series of vivid, action-packed stories. Howard also created the grim Puritan adventurer Solomon Kane, the Pictish king Bran Mak Morn, and Kull of Atlantis, filling the pulp magazines with unforgettable heroes.
Writing at a furious pace from small-town Texas, Howard poured raw energy and dark imagination into his fiction before his death at just 30. His influence on modern fantasy is immense.
His storytelling is vivid and fast. Our editions present it cleanly. Read a story free, and read or listen with a membership.
Robert E. Howard in the library · 7 works
Jewels of Gwahlur
Red Nails
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The Hour of the Dragon
The Hyborian Age
The People of the Black Circle
Audiobooks by Robert E. Howard
Every Robert E. Howard title in the library is also a complete, professionally produced audiobook — 7 audiobooks in total. Members listen free on any device. Browse the audiobook library →
Frequently asked questions about Robert E. Howard
What did Robert E. Howard write?
Howard wrote pulp fiction across many genres, but is most famous for creating Conan the Barbarian. He also created Solomon Kane, Kull of Atlantis, Bran Mak Morn, and the boxing hero Sailor Steve Costigan, along with horror, historical, and western stories. The Conan tales are his most famous and influential work.
Who is Conan the Barbarian?
Conan is a mighty warrior — a wandering thief, mercenary, and eventually king — in Howard's invented 'Hyborian Age,' a mythic prehistoric world of dark sorcery and lost civilisations. Strong, cunning, and fiercely independent, he faces monsters, wizards, and warlords in a series of vivid adventures. He is one of the most iconic characters in fantasy fiction.
Did Robert E. Howard invent sword and sorcery?
Yes — Howard is widely credited as the father of the 'sword and sorcery' subgenre of fantasy, which combines heroic action-adventure with supernatural menace, centred on a lone warrior rather than an epic quest. His Conan stories defined the form. He influenced later fantasy writers, the entire fantasy-gaming tradition, and countless films.
Where should I start with Robert E. Howard?
The Conan stories are the essential starting point — 'The Tower of the Elephant' and 'The Phoenix on the Sword' are classic, self-contained tales. His Solomon Kane stories are another great, atmospheric choice. His fiction works well read one story at a time.
Are Howard's stories hard to read?
Not at all — they were written for pulp magazines in a fast, vivid, muscular style built for excitement, so they read quickly and grippingly. Occasional dated attitudes reflect their 1930s origins. A clear modern edition keeps the energy and atmosphere of the adventures.
When did Robert E. Howard live?
Howard lived from 1906 to 1936, dying at just 30. He wrote prolifically for pulp magazines such as Weird Tales during the late 1920s and early 1930s, creating Conan in 1932. Despite his short life, his influence on fantasy fiction has been enormous.
Where can I read Robert E. Howard for free?
Many of Howard's stories are in the public domain and freely available. Older editions keep the original text. Here you can read a story free in clear modern English, and read or listen with a membership.
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