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 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.
— 14 hours, 51 min ago
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.
