Robert E. Howard Readers discussion

We all know that REH killed himself at a tragically young age. At the same time, he was writing fantastic stories that still stand the test of time. So, what shape might Howard's writing career have taken had he been able to survive the emotional crises that led to him taking his life? (For opinions as to Howard's state of mind at this time, see this discussion.

I think the factors that may have affected his further writings would include, but certainly not be limited to:
- He was mainly writing short Western stories at the end of his life;
- The Pulp magazines that were his principal outlet were starting to become less popular;
- The rise of fascism in Europe and the approaching World War;
- Having survived the crisis with his mother's ill health, he would still be dealing with her loss.

Having posed the question, I have no answers, so I hope somebody else has an opinion ;-)

According to One Who Walked Alone, he wanted to write a history book of the South-West. So maybe he would written more non-fiction later in life.

I think he would have kept writing, and would have written Westerns for a while, but eventually would have moved on to something else, like he did when he was alive.

I always thought it would be neat to go back in time, and bring REH forward to today - and show him the massive impact he has had on the world (and show him the movies from his work).

Vincent wrote: "I think he would have kept writing, and would have written Westerns for a while, but eventually would have moved on to something else, like he did when he was alive.

I always thought it would be..."

Don't show him the movies! For the sweet love of Crom, don't show him the movies!!

Except for Solomon Kane, of course ;-D

I think it'd be fun to hear him swear and curse... LOL!

I'd certainly like him to see Frazetta's art...

Michael wrote: "Don't show him the movies! For the sweet love of Crom, don't show him the movies!!

Except for Solomon Kane, of course ;-D ."

I'd be of the same mind not to show him the movies, but then recalled REH described himself as a boisterous type. He might have enjoyed seeing his works come to life on screen so much as to overlook their shortcomings.

No doubt he'd have been floored by Frazetta's art, though. Check out some of his comic book and more famous stuff: http://www.americanartarchives.com/fr...

Ha, ha! I do, actually, like the Arnie movie's, but I don't think they're that true to the source.

JM wrote: "Hey, hey, I hope you're not having a go at Arnie's Conan, I love that movie.."

Particularly Arnie's Conan. The Arnold Conan didn't have much in common with REH's Conan. Best thing about that movie was that it did raise awareness of Conan in general, and the music.

John wrote: "JM wrote: "Hey, hey, I hope you're not having a go at Arnie's Conan, I love that movie.."

Particularly Arnie's Conan. The Arnold Conan didn't have much in common with REH's Conan. Best thing about..."

I totally agree with you, John. "Conan the Barbarian" sucked; it was, in no way, R.E.H.'s Conan. If Howard was around to see that movie, he'd lambaste it with a litany of curses and condemnations. As for the new film... well, there is a whole other thread regarding that piece of crap.


You are right. The musical score in the original "Conan" movie was both magnificent and mesmerizing; it was the best thing about the film.

Yeah, it's too bad really, Ó Ruairc. Whoever produced these movies tried everything but sticking to the REH storyline and character profiles ... things the rest of us would applaud.

I still listen to that score now and then. Excellent for creating imagery missing in the film.

Yeah, I even read somewhere where the Production Designer of "Conan the Barbarian", a fellow by the name of Ron Cobb, once said something along the lines of: "Our strength in making this film is that we know nothing about Robert E. Howard."

If Howard lived to see such adaptions of his stories, I believe he'd be sorely displeased with them. I conclude this based upon a 1932 letter he wrote to Lovecraft. Howard writes:

"Have you read my 'Cairn on the Headland' in the latest 'Strange Tales'? If not, I'll be glad to lend you a copy. It was the artist's idea, not mine, to deck Odin in a solid steel cuirass!


Even during his lifetime, it seems R.E.H. became rankled when certain media agencies messed with his stories.

Ó Ruairc wrote: "Our strength in making this film is that we know nothing about Robert E. Howard."

Insane. Ranks down there with political spin.


I wasn't aware of that particular letter to HPL, very insightful. I believe you're probably right, REH wouldn't care much for loose interpretation of his stories. Makes sense.

JM wrote: "I think the new 'Barbarian' movie has lost the plot completely and I accept your points about the Arnie movie (still love it because if I had not seen it I might never have discovered RE Howard at ..."

The path to success is not always a straight one. -- Tony Dungy

The path to true Conan is not always, either. I read Conan pistaches as a teen and didn't know the difference between them and the real REH for a little while there.

Or they were edited versions by L.Sprague De Camp who dissed REH.

It became evident where the real word power came from, however. Very few can match REH's prowess.

Ron Cobb is one of the best desingers in all of Hollywood history. He is known more for his sci-fi designs though.

It's a shame that they didn't respect the source, like Jackson mostly did when he made TLotR.

I think REH would have focused on westerns for a while, and definitely would have wrote some non-fiction. I believe that he would have eventually come back to his Hyperborean tales, and perhaps revitalized them with novel length stories. Probably would have made new characters for them to explore the untapped possibilities he had with that backdrop. He would probably have the recognition that he deserves today and be listed as one of the best American writers, as he very well should be.

I'd like to think REH would score a series on HBO or AMC or something, at the very least. Game of Thrones is a popular series, evidently. I've never read or seen it, but it keeps getting new episodes.