Robert Ervin Howard (1906–1936) was a seminal figure in the genre of sword and sorcery, best known for his creation of the character Conan the Barbarian. Born and raised in the rural Texan town of Peaster, Howard often infused his tales with a visceral physicality, reflecting his own interest in boxing and history. His writing career, largely during the Great Depression era, was prolific yet tragically short, culminating in his untimely death by suicide at the age of 30.
Howard's influence on fantasy literature is profound, with his works characterizing an age where dark magic, fierce warriors, and ancient civilizations captured the imagination of his readers. Among his significant contributions is the 'Bran Mak Morn Trilogy,' which chronicles the eponymous last king of the Picts as he struggles against the Roman invasion and supernatural threats. This trilogy, along with other works, continues to be a touchstone for fans of dark fantasy and historical adventure.
His literary style, marked by fast-paced narratives and an emotive, almost poetic description, helped to define the pulp fiction era. While Howard crafted stories across various genres, including westerns and horror, it is his mark on swords and sorcery for which he remains most revered. Decades after his passing, Robert E. Howard's creations live on, inspiring new generations of writers and artists in the realms of fantasy literature and beyond.