On the fact that this story was originally rejected tells me how publishers back in 20's of 20th century had much higher standards than they have today. Read more about the condition New: A new, unread, unused book in perfect condition with no missing or damaged pages. The only blemish against Howard is how the man who wrote about strength and a never-ending battle against adversities couldn’t face the death of his own mother and took his life at the age of thirty refusing us his genius and his further works. After a couple of his people are crucified by Romans, Bran Mak Morn embarks on a quest to see revenge through, including making a deal with a terrifying witch. Conan prevails against a foe fallen from greatness into degeneracy in one of those scenarios where 'nuke 'em from orbit,' was the better option.

In other words, the author created a modern hero who draws his origins from classical mythology and has all the features that were capable of making him a reference point for the genre of epic fantasy and that I think is of the greatest importance in these short stories. This is one of my all time favorite books and have re-read cover to cover it 4 maybe 5 times now and it just doesn't get old.I am also a fan of the very similar story Rogues in the House, which adds in the twist of an angry and intelligent ape. The stories themselves also run the gamut from standard action/adventure to often quite dark fantasy that push up against Lovecraftian sorts of themes as Conan does battle with Old Gods and escapes ancient curses. Loved how this connected together and progressed smoothly through the whole story, plus there is some remarkable poetic imagery in this story.

This is a short novella, published in 3 parts of 1934, and as such, although short in its structure, longer than most of Robert's stories he was publishing so far. Then go you down these stairs and enter the ebony chamber where Yara sits wrapped in lotus-dreams of evil. Those that aren't are still good and are not going to detract from overall high standard of this collection. The Slithering Shadow Howard ups the erotic tension in this one with suggestions of depraved orgies and a girl-on-girl whipping scene. And for the first time in this collection, this story is the closest to a direct continuation of a previous story I'll get.

In his "dark, scared face there was a suggestion of moodiness; and without being marred by depravity, or definitely evil, there was more than a suggestion of the sinister about his features. Of course there are also weaknesses in them, but that does not change the fact that anyone who likes such readings will have a very good time by reading these fascinating adventures that always end up in heroic, bloody, breathtaking fights. On this contrast between constrained, decadent civilization and wild-but-honourable barbarians, see also 432, 461, 477, 616, and 634.