Howard, Robert E. (Robert Ervin)

Robert Ervin Howard was an American writer born in 1906, primarily known for his contributions to pulp fiction across various genres. He is widely recognized as the originator of the sword and sorcery subgenre, largely through his creation of the iconic character Conan the Barbarian. Howard spent most of his life in Texas, developing a passion for writing from a young age, influenced by his mother's love for literature and his own observations of the world. Despite facing numerous rejections, he eventually found success with publications like Weird Tales. His writings, though popular, were not collected during his lifetime. Howard died by suicide at the age of 30. His significant influence on fantasy literature was only fully realized posthumously when his works were collected and gained wider readership, inspiring countless imitators.

Born in Texas in 1906, Robert E. Howard's early life was marked by frequent moves with his family. He was an introspective child with a deep appreciation for literature and poetry, fostered by his mother, who had contracted tuberculosis. This intellectual inclination was balanced by a strong interest in physical pursuits, including boxing and bodybuilding. Howard's worldview was shaped by his experiences in Texas, observing the effects of violence and hardship, which contributed to a hardboiled outlook. He began writing adventure fiction at the age of nine, inspired by authors like Jack London and Rudyard Kipling, and developed an exceptional memory for poetry and prose.

Howard's journey toward becoming a professional writer began with voracious reading and natural talent. After moving to Cross Plains, Texas, in 1919, he continued to hone his craft, submitting stories to pulp magazines like Adventure and Argosy from his mid-teens. Despite initial rejections, he became a self-taught writer, meticulously studying market demands. His first sale, a caveman tale titled "Spear and Fang," appeared in Weird Tales in 1924. This marked the beginning of his professional writing career, though he often struggled financially, taking on various odd jobs to support himself and his writing endeavors. He also explored poetry, contributing numerous poems to Weird Tales and other journals.

Robert E. Howard is most celebrated for creating Conan the Barbarian, a character who became the cornerstone of the sword and sorcery subgenre. His stories, primarily featured in Weird Tales, blended elements of historical fiction, fantasy, and horror, often depicting powerful, barbaric heroes in conflict with dark magic and ancient evils. While Howard's works were not compiled into books during his lifetime, the posthumous collection and wider distribution of his writings cemented his legacy. He is credited with defining and popularizing a style of fantasy that emphasized action, grim settings, and heroic struggle, profoundly influencing subsequent generations of fantasy writers and establishing himself as a pivotal figure in the genre.