Robert E. Howard, American author and poet (d. 1936)
Robert E. Howard: A Pioneer of Pulp Fiction and Fantasy
Robert Ervin Howard, born on January 22, 1906, and tragically passed on June 11, 1936, was a prolific American author renowned for his significant contributions to the realm of pulp fiction. His imaginative narratives spanned a remarkably diverse array of genres, captivating readers with their raw energy and vivid worlds. Howard is preeminently celebrated as the creator of the iconic character Conan the Barbarian, a figure who not only defined his career but also solidified Howard's enduring legacy as the acknowledged father of the sword and sorcery subgenre.
What is pulp fiction and why was it significant for Howard?
Pulp fiction refers to stories published in inexpensive magazines, often printed on cheap wood pulp paper, prevalent from the early 20th century through the 1950s. These magazines were a primary outlet for popular genre fiction, offering writers like Howard a platform to reach a wide audience with thrilling tales of adventure, mystery, and fantasy. This format allowed for rapid publication and experimentation across various categories.
Life and Early Influences in Texas
Howard's formative years were spent primarily in the rugged landscape of Texas. He was born and raised in the state, making his home predominantly in the small town of Cross Plains, with periods also spent in nearby Brownwood. Despite a childhood often marked by a solitary, bookish, and intellectual disposition, Howard possessed a contrasting fascination with physical pursuits. He developed a keen interest in boxing and dedicated time in his late teens to bodybuilding, eventually engaging in amateur boxing matches. These physical interests profoundly influenced his writing, evident in the robust physicality and martial prowess of many of his most famous characters.
From the tender age of nine, Howard harbored a passionate ambition to become a writer of adventure fiction. However, substantial professional success eluded him until he reached the age of 23. Following this breakthrough, and until his untimely death by suicide at the age of 30, Howard's prodigious output found a wide readership, with his stories regularly appearing in a diverse selection of magazines, journals, and newspapers. He demonstrated remarkable versatility, becoming proficient in crafting narratives across several distinct subgenres.
What genres did Robert E. Howard write in, besides fantasy?
Beyond his foundational work in fantasy, Howard was a versatile writer who successfully contributed to numerous pulp genres, including:
- Horror and weird fiction (e.g., stories featuring Cthulhu Mythos elements)
- Historical adventure (e.g., tales of Bran Mak Morn, a Pictish king)
- Boxing tales (e.g., stories featuring Sailor Steve Costigan)
- Westerns (e.g., tales set in the American frontier)
- Oriental adventures (e.g., stories of Kirby O'Donnell)
Ironically, despite his prolific output and growing popularity during his lifetime, Howard's greatest and most widespread recognition, including significant commercial success, was achieved posthumously.
The Birth of Sword and Sorcery: Conan and His Legacy
Although a novel-length work featuring Conan, The Hour of the Dragon (also known as Conan the Conqueror), was serialized in Weird Tales between 1935 and 1936, none of Howard's stories were ever collected into book form during his lifetime. The primary and most significant outlet for his imaginative tales was Weird Tales, the influential American pulp magazine specializing in fantasy and horror, where he first introduced the world to Conan the Barbarian in 1932.
Why is Robert E. Howard considered the 'father of sword and sorcery'?
With the creation of Conan and other notable heroes such as Kull of Atlantis and Solomon Kane, Howard essentially forged and popularized the genre now universally recognized as sword and sorcery. This subgenre is characterized by:
- Focus on a heroic protagonist, often a skilled warrior or adventurer.
- Integration of magical elements and supernatural threats.
- Emphasis on action, combat, and daring exploits.
- Settings that are often barbarous or decadent, with less emphasis on grand, overarching quests common in epic fantasy.
Howard's innovative approach rapidly spawned countless imitators and profoundly influenced the broader fantasy field. His pioneering work laid the groundwork for future generations of fantasy writers and creatives. Robert E. Howard remains an extraordinarily highly read author, with his seminal works continuously reprinted decades after their initial publication. He is widely regarded as one of the best-selling fantasy writers of all time, a testament to the enduring appeal and power of his storytelling.
The Tragic End: Circumstances of Howard's Suicide
Howard's untimely death by suicide, and the deeply personal circumstances surrounding it, have naturally led to much discussion and speculation regarding his mental health. His mother, Hester Jane Ervin Howard, had suffered from chronic tuberculosis throughout her life, a debilitating illness that profoundly impacted the family. On June 11, 1936, upon learning that his mother had entered a deep coma from which she was not expected to recover, Howard walked out to his car parked outside their home in Cross Plains and tragically shot himself in the head. He was just 30 years old.
How did Robert E. Howard die?
Robert E. Howard died by suicide on June 11, 1936. The immediate cause was a self-inflicted gunshot wound, following the news that his gravely ill mother had fallen into an irreversible coma.