Status Updates From Flame and Crimson: A Histor...

This chapter focuses on REH’s interest in adventure and historical fiction as well as his letters with H.P. Lovecraft debating barbarism versus civilization. I was hoping for more discussion of Weird Tales and how the market of Weird Tales influenced REH’s writing to a greater extent. There is an interesting sidebar on Jack London’s influence on REH.

Ch. 2. Origins

Good chapter on inspirations/influences on Sword & Sorcery and proto-S&S writers. I still think not enough importance is given to the context in which S&S originated, which was Weird Tales. There is a sidebar on what is the first S&S story: “Sacnoth” vs. “Shadow”. I haven’t read “Sacnoth” but Dunsany lacks the horror influence that REH weaved into his S&S stories.

Ch 1. What is sword-and-sorcery?

Definitions. I think all of the elements Murphy highlights are good ones (I emphasize horror, of course). I liked the sidebar at the end asking whether labels are useful. I think the S&S label is useful in contrasting or distinguishing S&S from epic fantasy. But I think it becomes a pointless exercise when arguing over whether certain stories fit the bill.