NOLA Bert’s Reviews > Flame and Crimson: A History of Sword-and-Sorcery > Status Update
NOLA Bert
is on page 57 of 277
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.
— Jan 02, 2026 08:04AM
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.
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NOLA’s Previous Updates
NOLA Bert
is on page 241 of 277
Murphy examines the influence of S&S on gaming (role-playing games), music (metal), and movies. Murphy has harsh words for most of the low-budget S&S films, but I like them, even Deathstalker.
— May 04, 2026 08:12PM
NOLA Bert
is on page 219 of 277
Continuing with the S&S development from the 80s to today (well to 2018 or so).
— Apr 21, 2026 08:19PM
NOLA Bert
is on page 195 of 277
Chapter 7: Decline and Fall
A somewhat irritating chapter. I align myself with Carter’s views on S&S. I’m not really interested in themes, issues, or deep subtext. I’m not sure why entertainment gets a bad rap, but art is treated with reverence.
— Apr 14, 2026 07:37PM
A somewhat irritating chapter. I align myself with Carter’s views on S&S. I’m not really interested in themes, issues, or deep subtext. I’m not sure why entertainment gets a bad rap, but art is treated with reverence.
NOLA Bert
is on page 163 of 277
Chapter 5: Renaissance
The chapter focuses on the 1960s and 1970s with a focus on Jack Vance, Poul Anderson, & Karl Edward Wagner. There’s also some discussion of L. Sprague de Camp’s The Tritonian Ring, Ramsey Campbell’s Ryre stories, and the Thieves World anthologies. A side bar examines S&S art.
— Apr 06, 2026 07:42PM
The chapter focuses on the 1960s and 1970s with a focus on Jack Vance, Poul Anderson, & Karl Edward Wagner. There’s also some discussion of L. Sprague de Camp’s The Tritonian Ring, Ramsey Campbell’s Ryre stories, and the Thieves World anthologies. A side bar examines S&S art.
NOLA Bert
is on page 133 of 277
Focused on the 50s and 60s starting with the Arkham House and Gnome Press editions. Murphy explains the importance of Fritz Leiber and Michael Moorcock’s contributions to the genre. The chapter ends with a description and discussion of the Lancer Conan Saga.
— Mar 22, 2026 08:13PM
NOLA Bert
is on page 107 of 277
The chapter is focused primarily on Clark Ashton Smith, C. L. Moore, and Henry Kuttner, although Clifford Ball is mentioned briefly. The sidebar at the end of the chapter on heroic versus anti-heroic sword-and-sorcery was interesting. The quibble over genre definitions is a familiar battlefield. The terms can be both helpful and confusing.
— Feb 25, 2026 07:52PM
NOLA Bert
is on page 83 of 277
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.
— Jan 08, 2026 02:04PM
NOLA Bert
is on page 31 of 277
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.
— Dec 26, 2025 08:42PM
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.
