Robert E. Howard 
Black Colossus 

In ‘Black Colossus’, Robert E. Howard showcases his iconic sword and sorcery style, blending elements of adventure, romance, and the supernatural. Set in the mythical world of Hyboria, the story follows Conan the Cimmerian as he becomes embroiled in a deadly conflict between rival kingdoms. Howard’s vivid descriptions and fast-paced narrative immerse the reader in a world filled with treacherous plots and epic battles, drawing inspiration from ancient civilizations and folklore to create a rich and immersive literary experience. Robert E. Howard, known for creating the character Conan the Barbarian, had a fascination with history and mythology, which greatly influenced his writing. His own struggles with depression and personal demons also added depth and complexity to his characters and stories, making them resonate with readers on a deeper level. I highly recommend ‘Black Colossus’ to fans of fantasy and adventure literature, as well as those interested in exploring the works of one of the pioneers of the sword and sorcery genre. Howard’s storytelling prowess and imaginative world-building make this book a must-read for any lover of epic tales and heroic deeds.

About the author

Robert Ervin Howard (1906-1936) was an American author of pulp fiction who made a significant mark on the fantasy, adventure, and horror genres. Born and raised in the small town of Peaster, Texas, Howard pursued a literary career against the cultural expectations of the time. His vivid and action-packed tales often explored themes of barbarism versus civilization, a motif that preliterated in one of his most famous creations, Conan the Barbarian. Howard’s ‘Black Colossus’ is a noteworthy entry in the Conan saga, first appearing in the June 1933 issue of ‘Weird Tales’ magazine. The story showcases Howard’s skill in weaving a narrative that combines sorcery, ancient curses, and the primal struggle for power into a compelling fantasy adventure. His works emphasized the recurring image of the indomitable hero facing insurmountable odds, a reflection of Howard’s own stoic ethos. Though his career was tragically cut short by his suicide at the age of 30, Howard’s contributions to the literary world have cast a long shadow, influencing countless writers and birthing the subgenre of sword and sorcery. His legacy endures through the continued popularity of his characters and the preservation of his texts by dedicated fans and scholars of the fantasy genre.