I don't think I am alone in saying that I'd happily tune in 30 minutes every single day just to hear you talk about Robert E. Howard. Excellent stuff my friend!
I have never read Robert E. Howard. Shocking, I know. However based on this and your previous videos, I took the plunge and ordered the 2 volume Best of Robert E. Howard. I hope that will cover the shameful gap in my literary landscape.
I'm sure you will love the stories. Both volumes provide a great sampling of Howards work. Your only problem is you will be hooked on his writing from here on in 😆
I got my wife to buy me Almuric as part of my Christmas book haul, and I loved. Already having read all of ERBs John Carter series I loved REH’s take on it.
I read Worms of the Earth a couple days ago for the first time! I read it in an old ACE paperback edition while I listened to a great audiobook version. Now I finally understand that scene from the Conan movie!
yeah. Even if the movie doesn't quite resemble Howard's Conan, you can tell that John Milius was sure reading a lot of Howard, incorporating a little bit from this one and also of course Thulsa Doom from a random Kull story.
Most of Howard is in the public domain in Europe and I understand, because of our different laws, it will soon be public domain in the US, so you may get your chance to edit your own Howard Library.
Worms Of The Earth, Kings In The Night, all the Solomon Kane tales and The Tower Of The Elephant always stand out for me, and Red Nails partly because of the wonderful Roy Thomas/Barry Windsor-Smith adaptation at Marvel Comics, specifically the coloured version from the 1980s. In fact, although a lot of Howard fans aren't that keen on them, I always enjoy Howard's lost-city-in-the-desert tales. But really, I've never read anything by REH that I haven't at least liked and more often loved. Who would you have on cover art for your Best Of volume Michael?
My "Best Of" volume for Robert E Howard Stories: 1. The Shadow Kingdom 2. The Hills of the Dead 3. The Right Hand of Doom 4. The Tower of the Elephant 5. Black Colossus 6. Queen of the Black Coast 7. Shadows In The Moonlight 8. The Shadow of the Vulture 9. Sword Woman 10. Swords of Shahrazar 11. Lord of Samarcand 12. The Black Stone 13. The Curse of the Golden Skull 14. Worms of the Earth 15. Pigeons from Hell 16. The Girl on the Hell Ship
I would like to see a collection involving the characters that we don’t see as often. Steve Costigan, Dark Agnes, and Breckinridge Elkins just to name a few.
I just received six volumes of 'The Cimmerian.' These are hardbound bandes dessinees (french comics.) They are fun reads - good color art and grittier and sexier stories than Conan published in the US. Two stories in each volume, and even the written story too. I also got Blueberry the western comic with amazing art from Moebius. Shout out to the great CZcamsr Razorfist for turning me on to these!
I have the sneaking suspicion that you mentioned a few stories that I (gasp!) haven't ever read. I shall have to meekly correct those oversights. Thanks, Michael!
I agree with Derleth. Howard's best story was Worms of the Earth. I really enjoy all of Howard's work, including the boxing stuff. He had a flair for humor as well. We saw a bit of that in some of his Conan stories and the Breckinridge Elkins tales were hilarious.
Michael doing a Robert E Howard video!!? Who’d have thought it!!?? 😂. I love REH too, and on Michael’s recommend recommendations read Almuric, and the Delray edition of The Savage Tales of Solomon Kane which are absolutely excellent! As an aside Michael also put me onto The House on the Borderland by W H Hodgson and E F Benson’s Night Terrors. Loved the former and working my way through the latter which I can’t put down. Thank you for your excellent suggestions Michael 😊. PS How do you do spend so much time reading and keep your marriage together? Asking for a friend 😂.
I think you’re right about the two volume Best of Robert E Howard. If Del Rey had done a single volume it would probably have been more successful economically and as an introduction to REH.
I had to take ye break after 50 pages of Moby Dick last night (which I am enjoying, 1/3 of the way through), so I picked up Imaro by Charles Saunders. 50 pages into that as well. Man, excellent. Thanks for the recommendation. I may not be able to get back to Melville until I finish it. Also, I have an extra copy of Skull Face (paperback) for sale on EBay right now. Maybe whosoever of ye will pull the trigger now and buy it.
Recent sub & a huge fan of E. Howard here. Yours is probably the best book channel on youtube, especially for classic fantasy/sci-fi lovers like us. Not just stuck on some cramped echochamber of few modern titels & authers but actually a knowledgeable & well read personality who loves to share his wealth. Your love & respect for these books & subject matters just oozes with passion & is very infectious. Your channel has opened a new door of discovery for a genre which I already love. Btw, is it legal to read previous month's 'Cheap Old Book Club' recommendation this month or will I get arrested & kicked out of the club?
Love the REH Show! I wish someone would put out a set of his complete writings. I think the Del Reys are missing a few ... though those are a great set.
It's nice to hear I still have much of Howard's best ahead of me! Of Derlith's selection I've read 8, 9 of Del Ray's, 6 of Penguin's and 6 of your selection - and though you have different selections, the ones Ive read are mostly the same. _Funny that none of you see the brilliance that is the Cat and the Skull though. 🤨_ Does Del Ray's "best of" have different illustrations for all the reprints they do? Cause that would be the one thing that could make that an appealing buy, if I'm to get the other complete collections. I wasn't sure they would do that since the Kull collection's copy of "Kings of the Night" has no art at all, so I assumed the didn't want to pay Justin Sweet for new art or reprint the art of whoever illustrated the "Bran Mak Morn" collection.
That's a great collection of stories you chose for The Best of Robert E. Howard, selected and edited by MKV, but I fear you're a little light on Kirowan & Conrad and Steve Harrison ;) I'd add either Graveyard Rats or Names in the Black Book and Dig Me No Grave to round things out.
Definitely agree taht "Beyond the Black River" is one of the very best Conan stories, and the obvious one to put at the end of a collection. I'd also include "Rogues in teh House", personally, but I really like your selections. I believe a few of them, i still haven't read, like "Son of the White WOlf". I can for sure understand why all the collections besides the first one skipped "Skullface". I don't think it's at all one of his best, being pretty much a rip-off of Fu Manchu in my opinion, but possibly even more virulently racist. I cut Howard a lot of slack on this issue but there are a few things that make me wince and feel a little hesitant about recommending without some caveats. Noticed that none of those collections included "The vale of Lost Women" or "Children of the Night", either, and I suppose I'd exclude those for the same sort of reasons.
Wonder if you've read the Conan the Barbarian movie novelization by L. Sprague de Camp? I found it at a used bookstore the other day, looks pretty cool
I need by glasses with my clip-on magnifying lenses to read the Neville Spearman Skull-Face. I do also own a copy of the Arkham edition, but without a dustwrapper. The text size isn't much bigger than the Spearman edition. I've been sorting through some heaps of books that I haven't been able to get my hands on for well over a decade. I'm finding I have several REH books published by Donald M. Grant that I'd forgotten I owned, including a volume of his poetry. Do you have any of the small press chapbooks that were dedicated to REH? I have quite a few. I may post cover scans on your discord.
Wonder if part of the reason they included stories like "Rogues in the House," is just for space? Not that it's also not a great story, like you said, but it does some seem like an unusual choice for a best of collection.
@@michaelk.vaughan8617 Man don't I know, "Beyond the Black River," is incredible. Feels like you're running along with Balthus and Conan as they race to save the settlers.
![Solomon Kane - Rattle fo Bones, by Robert E. Howard [English audiobook]](/img/n.gif)
I don't think I am alone in saying that I'd happily tune in 30 minutes every single day just to hear you talk about Robert E. Howard. Excellent stuff my friend!
Thanks, David!
Everything written by Robert E. Howard is the BEST
Robert E. Howard is my favorite author of all time. :) Solomon Kane is so, so underrated.
True.
By Crom! The return of my favorite segment!
I have never read Robert E. Howard. Shocking, I know. However based on this and your previous videos, I took the plunge and ordered the 2 volume Best of Robert E. Howard. I hope that will cover the shameful gap in my literary landscape.
Ha! Yeah, that will cover it for sure.
I'm sure you will love the stories. Both volumes provide a great sampling of Howards work. Your only problem is you will be hooked on his writing from here on in 😆
thanks
I got my wife to buy me Almuric as part of my Christmas book haul, and I loved. Already having read all of ERBs John Carter series I loved REH’s take on it.
REH's worst is still better than most people's good stuff, always of interest, always well-written. I, too, like seeing the range.
I have recently finished reading The Complete Chronicles of Conan. 900+ pages and it left me wanting more for sure.
Excellent!
I read Worms of the Earth a couple days ago for the first time! I read it in an old ACE paperback edition while I listened to a great audiobook version. Now I finally understand that scene from the Conan movie!
yeah. Even if the movie doesn't quite resemble Howard's Conan, you can tell that John Milius was sure reading a lot of Howard, incorporating a little bit from this one and also of course Thulsa Doom from a random Kull story.
Lusty carnage!!!?? I'M IN!!!!!!!
Awesome.
R. E. Howard Still my favorite.
Another great video.
Cheers!!!
🎶 It’s the Robert E. Howard Shoooow!! 🎶 And none too soon… Great video, Michael!
Most of Howard is in the public domain in Europe and I understand, because of our different laws, it will soon be public domain in the US, so you may get your chance to edit your own Howard Library.
Yeah, most of his stuff is in the public domain now.
Howard's boxing stories are hilarious.
That they are.
Worms Of The Earth, Kings In The Night, all the Solomon Kane tales and The Tower Of The Elephant always stand out for me, and Red Nails partly because of the wonderful Roy Thomas/Barry Windsor-Smith adaptation at Marvel Comics, specifically the coloured version from the 1980s. In fact, although a lot of Howard fans aren't that keen on them, I always enjoy Howard's lost-city-in-the-desert tales. But really, I've never read anything by REH that I haven't at least liked and more often loved. Who would you have on cover art for your Best Of volume Michael?
Love your passion for the material. Just read The Scarlet Citadel recently and was impressed by the depth offered.
Glad for another episode of the Robert E Howard show.
My "Best Of" volume for Robert E Howard Stories:
1. The Shadow Kingdom
2. The Hills of the Dead
3. The Right Hand of Doom
4. The Tower of the Elephant
5. Black Colossus
6. Queen of the Black Coast
7. Shadows In The Moonlight
8. The Shadow of the Vulture
9. Sword Woman
10. Swords of Shahrazar
11. Lord of Samarcand
12. The Black Stone
13. The Curse of the Golden Skull
14. Worms of the Earth
15. Pigeons from Hell
16. The Girl on the Hell Ship
That would be a great collection.
The Breckenridge Elkins stories are quite humorous.
Yes they are!
I would like to see a collection involving the characters that we don’t see as often. Steve Costigan, Dark Agnes, and Breckinridge Elkins just to name a few.
Underrated channel
That’s what I think!
This is great I will try your selection on kindle!!
I just received six volumes of 'The Cimmerian.' These are hardbound bandes dessinees (french comics.) They are fun reads - good color art and grittier and sexier stories than Conan published in the US. Two stories in each volume, and even the written story too. I also got Blueberry the western comic with amazing art from Moebius. Shout out to the great CZcamsr Razorfist for turning me on to these!
Let me know what you think of The Cimmerian!
I have the sneaking suspicion that you mentioned a few stories that I (gasp!) haven't ever read. I shall have to meekly correct those oversights. Thanks, Michael!
I agree with Derleth. Howard's best story was Worms of the Earth. I really enjoy all of Howard's work, including the boxing stuff. He had a flair for humor as well. We saw a bit of that in some of his Conan stories and the Breckinridge Elkins tales were hilarious.
Michael doing a Robert E Howard video!!? Who’d have thought it!!?? 😂. I love REH too, and on Michael’s recommend recommendations read Almuric, and the Delray edition of The Savage Tales of Solomon Kane which are absolutely excellent! As an aside Michael also put me onto The House on the Borderland by W H Hodgson and E F Benson’s Night Terrors. Loved the former and working my way through the latter which I can’t put down. Thank you for your excellent suggestions Michael 😊. PS How do you do spend so much time reading and keep your marriage together? Asking for a friend 😂.
I think you’re right about the two volume Best of Robert E Howard. If Del Rey had done a single volume it would probably have been more successful economically and as an introduction to REH.
I had to take ye break after 50 pages of Moby Dick last night (which I am enjoying, 1/3 of the way through), so I picked up Imaro by Charles Saunders. 50 pages into that as well. Man, excellent. Thanks for the recommendation. I may not be able to get back to Melville until I finish it.
Also, I have an extra copy of Skull Face (paperback) for sale on EBay right now. Maybe whosoever of ye will pull the trigger now and buy it.
Recent sub & a huge fan of E. Howard here. Yours is probably the best book channel on youtube, especially for classic fantasy/sci-fi lovers like us. Not just stuck on some cramped echochamber of few modern titels & authers but actually a knowledgeable & well read personality who loves to share his wealth. Your love & respect for these books & subject matters just oozes with passion & is very infectious. Your channel has opened a new door of discovery for a genre which I already love.
Btw, is it legal to read previous month's 'Cheap Old Book Club' recommendation this month or will I get arrested & kicked out of the club?
I’m pretty sure you are safe from arrest. And Prisoner of Zenda is worth reading anytime.
Ironically we’re talking about bei mg arrested and the book is called “prisoner” of Zenda lol
That Skull-Face Omnibus edition looks like it would require more than just my glasses now, alas.
A microscope 🔬 maybe!
Love the REH Show! I wish someone would put out a set of his complete writings. I think the Del Reys are missing a few ... though those are a great set.
They're definitely missing a lot of the non-fatasy/horror titles.
A complete writings set would be amazing.
It's nice to hear I still have much of Howard's best ahead of me! Of Derlith's selection I've read 8, 9 of Del Ray's, 6 of Penguin's and 6 of your selection - and though you have different selections, the ones Ive read are mostly the same.
_Funny that none of you see the brilliance that is the Cat and the Skull though. 🤨_
Does Del Ray's "best of" have different illustrations for all the reprints they do? Cause that would be the one thing that could make that an appealing buy, if I'm to get the other complete collections. I wasn't sure they would do that since the Kull collection's copy of "Kings of the Night" has no art at all, so I assumed the didn't want to pay Justin Sweet for new art or reprint the art of whoever illustrated the "Bran Mak Morn" collection.
The best of volumes have different illustrations for all the stories.
That's a great collection of stories you chose for The Best of Robert E. Howard, selected and edited by MKV, but I fear you're a little light on Kirowan & Conrad and Steve Harrison ;) I'd add either Graveyard Rats or Names in the Black Book and Dig Me No Grave to round things out.
I am still determined to do some REH this year. Hold me to it!
I will!
You won’t be disappointed
@@maverickwonder2477 so I hear! 😊
Definitely agree taht "Beyond the Black River" is one of the very best Conan stories, and the obvious one to put at the end of a collection. I'd also include "Rogues in teh House", personally, but I really like your selections. I believe a few of them, i still haven't read, like "Son of the White WOlf".
I can for sure understand why all the collections besides the first one skipped "Skullface". I don't think it's at all one of his best, being pretty much a rip-off of Fu Manchu in my opinion, but possibly even more virulently racist. I cut Howard a lot of slack on this issue but there are a few things that make me wince and feel a little hesitant about recommending without some caveats. Noticed that none of those collections included "The vale of Lost Women" or "Children of the Night", either, and I suppose I'd exclude those for the same sort of reasons.
It would be good to include those contributions from Lovecraft and Hoffman in your best of volume. They sound interesting.
It would be. Just as soon as someone hires me to edit this volume. Any day now, I’m sure.
Wonder if you've read the Conan the Barbarian movie novelization by L. Sprague de Camp? I found it at a used bookstore the other day, looks pretty cool
No, I never did read that one. I wish I had a copy though!
Is there a list of Conan stories in internal chronological order, not published order?
There is a list. I’ll have to find it.
I need by glasses with my clip-on magnifying lenses to read the Neville Spearman Skull-Face. I do also own a copy of the Arkham edition, but without a dustwrapper. The text size isn't much bigger than the Spearman edition.
I've been sorting through some heaps of books that I haven't been able to get my hands on for well over a decade. I'm finding I have several REH books published by Donald M. Grant that I'd forgotten I owned, including a volume of his poetry.
Do you have any of the small press chapbooks that were dedicated to REH? I have quite a few. I may post cover scans on your discord.
I have a few of the Grant books but no chap books.
Wonder if part of the reason they included stories like "Rogues in the House," is just for space? Not that it's also not a great story, like you said, but it does some seem like an unusual choice for a best of collection.
It’s so entertaining I’m not completely surprised but it cannot compare to Beyond the Black River!
@@michaelk.vaughan8617 Man don't I know, "Beyond the Black River," is incredible. Feels like you're running along with Balthus and Conan as they race to save the settlers.
First! No sound yet even!
I'd like to thank the academy, my producer, and most of all Mitra.
Don't bother with Crom, though. He never listens.
Michael, you lack passion for the material. Just kidding.