Summary of The Collected Fiction of Robert E. Howard: Conan, Solomon Kane, Kull of Atlantis, Bran Mak Morn, El Borak, Breckinridge Elkins, Sailor Steve Costigan, James, Allison, and Other Stor

Summary of The Collected Fiction of Robert E. Howard: Conan, Solomon Kane, Kull of Atlantis, Bran Mak Morn, El Borak, Breckinridge Elkins, Sailor Steve Costigan, James, Allison, and Other Stories (Illustrated)

Welcome to the chaotic universe of Robert E. Howard, where swords clash, monsters lurk, and heroes sometimes have questionable life choices. This hefty tome is like an all-you-can-eat buffet of pulp fantasy, jam-packed with some of the most iconic characters in the genre. So, grab your sword and prepare for a wild ride as we dive into the madness!

First off, let's talk about Conan the Barbarian-the big, brooding, and somewhat hunky central figure who seems to have all the luck. and weapons. In his stories, Conan fights everything from evil sorcerers to the occasional overzealous snake cult, usually while being way too good-looking for his own good. Spoiler alert: he often emerges victorious, but not before losing his shirt a few times-because why wear armor when you can just flex those pecs?

Then we have Solomon Kane, the broody Puritan with a penchant for hunting down evil like it's some kind of personal vendetta. Imagine a guy who combined the religious fervor of a 17th-century preacher with a Robin Hood complex and a healthy dose of angst. Solomon's stories are dark and brooding, often tackling moral dilemmas-like, should you smite evil still dressed in your Sunday best?

Don't forget Kull of Atlantis, the brooding, philosophical barbarian king who's often stuck pondering life while trying to fight off enemies. Yes, folks, nothing says "I'm a fearsome warrior" like a long-winded monologue about the futility of existence. Kull often finds himself dealing with treachery and treason, which is inconvenient when all he really wants is a nap after a long day of combat.

Bran Mak Morn is up next, a man of his people, dealing with the usual struggles of maintaining a kingdom while battling ancient evil and, let's be honest, some really bad hair days. He's the king of the Picts, and his problems usually involve either questionable alliances or trying to keep his people from being exterminated. It's all fun and games until someone loses their head-or their entire tribe.

Let's not overlook El Borak, the cowboy who finds himself in the Middle East, fighting things that defy the laws of nature while somehow remaining calm and collected. Honestly, he's like Indiana Jones but with more gunpowder and less nuance. Then we have Breckinridge Elkins, a comical, lovable buffoon who seems to bumble his way through adventures, armed with charm and a blunt object or two.

Last but not least is Sailor Steve Costigan, a boxer who might be more of a punchline than a hero. His stories are lighter and often filled with comedic mishaps, usually involving shenanigans on the high seas. He's the kind of guy who trips over his own feet, but somehow makes friends with sea monsters and gets the girl in the end.

This collection isn't just a hodgepodge of stories; it's an exploration of bravery, moral dilemmas, and the occasional existential crisis. Howard weaves together rich worlds filled with historic anachronisms, with characters who have more personality than most people you know. The prose is vivid, action-packed, and sometimes hilariously melodramatic.

In these tales, Howard offers a tapestry of adventure and heroism, often with a hint of humor buried under layers of blood-soaked chaos. So strap in, grab a cup of coffee (or ale, no judgment here), and dive into this collection full of larger-than-life characters and thrilling exploits that will have you questioning how many swords are too many. Trust me, it's more than you think!

Maddie Page

Classics, bestsellers, and guilty pleasures-none are safe from my sarcastic recaps. I turn heavy reads into lighthearted summaries you can actually enjoy. Warning: may cause random outbursts of laughter while pretending to study literature.