Robert E. Howard Readers discussion

I recently finished this collection of REH's letters. It also includes a lot of poetry, satire, and absolutely fascinating philosophical musings. I was surprised at how sexual so many of these letters (and poems) were.

I really liked his comments on flappers. I noted that even in 1923 people felt the sanctity of marriage was being threatened. He also had the interesting idea that Christians invented Hell so they'd have someplace to smugly put their enemies, since absolutely no Christians believe they are going there themselves.

I wonder if we'll dredge up emails from dead modern writers and publish them... Somehow my emails won't come across as interesting as REH's letters.

Reading the letters gives an entirely different perspective on him. The humor is surprising as well, the first time you read them. He has a wonderfully sarcastic sense of humor. Quite the contrast from the crazy, depressed, angry loner stereotype that was put out there by de Camp and others.

Exactly! I found the same thing. One would think de Camp would have had access to the letters and should have known better. However, you are absolutely right - his sense of humor was wonderfully sarcastic. I really recommend reading his letters if a fan really wants to get to know REH.