Robert E. Howard Readers discussion

There’s a strange solitude in loving an author whose voice once roared across pulp magazines, yet now echoes faintly online. For me, that author is Robert E. Howard. His stories—brutal, vivid, and alive with a sense of adventure—have shaped the way I imagine heroes, monsters, and distant lands. Yet, as I scroll through Goodreads, I often find myself in a quiet corner, writing reviews, sharing quotes, or commenting on threads that remain almost entirely silent.

Howard’s imagination is expansive. Conan’s savage world, Solomon Kane’s relentless moral pursuit, and Bran Mak Morn’s tragic defiance—all of these creations deserve conversation, debate, and celebration. And yet, the discussion feels strangely sparse. It is as if the voices of those who share this passion have grown quiet, or perhaps have migrated elsewhere, leaving only the faint echo of past admiration.

I do not write here to boast of my own knowledge or dedication. Rather, I write because I believe the group could thrive if more of us spoke up. Robert E. Howard’s works are not merely old pulp fiction; they are living landscapes of emotion, philosophy, and human struggle. Each story offers new insights with every reading, and each interpretation is worthy of dialogue.

It is my hope that others who love Howard will feel encouraged to post, review, and discuss. Share a favorite Conan tale, dissect a Solomon Kane story, or reflect on the historical influences that permeate Howard’s imagination. Interaction does not require mastery—only a willingness to engage.

This group, like Howard’s worlds, can be rich and full of life. But for that to happen, it needs the voices of many, not just the few who linger in the quiet. If you love Robert E. Howard, speak up. Write a review, start a discussion, or simply respond to a post. There is a shared joy in exploring his worlds together, and it is in that sharing that the full power of his stories can truly be felt.

I'm more a reader than a poster in this group. I'm sure that Howard was a great and diverse author who shaped the whole genres. Sadly, he is almost forgotten today, esp. by younger generations. I discovered him in translation in the 1990s and was awe-struck. Then a whole series of Conan franchise was published and his few novels were clearly better than most of the later stuff by others. However, after this initial infatuation, study and work led me away from fiction in general for a decade. When I returned to reading actively, I decided to read him in the original English. Therefore, I joined this group. Sadly there is too much to read, so little time, so I haven't read any major work by Howard yet (just a few stories). Which limits my ability to discuss him and his works

That makes sense. Time seems to be at a premium these days. I hope you find time to read more Howard, though. It's worth taking the time.