The Untold Story of Robert E. Howard: The Iconic Writer Who Defined Cult Fiction!

Mon, 04 May 2026 05:35:59 +0000

The Untold Story of Robert E. Howard: The Iconic Writer Who Defined Cult Fiction When it comes to the founders of modern cult fiction, few names shine as brightly—or as controversially—as Robert E. Howard. Known as the father of sword-and-sorcery literature, Howard didn’t just shape a genre—he defined it. Though overshadowed during his lifetime by a penchant for debt, alcohol, and violent outbursts, Howard’s legendary creations live on in the hearts of fans and the pages of countless stories that thrive decades after his death. This untold story reveals the complex life of a visionary writer whose near-anonymity gave way to a monumental legacy. ### Who Was Robert E. Howard? Born on October 6, 1906, in Peaster, Texas, Robert E. Howard emerged as a towering figure in fantasy and horror fiction—long before “cult classic” was a label widely recognized. Though he worked as a journalist and occasional pulp writer earning just enough to survive, Howard’s imagination never waned. His stories brimmed with mythic heroes, brutal landscapes, and primal themes of heroism and destiny. Central to his genius was Conan the Barbarian, a character whose relentless strength, brutal honor, and raw instinct elevated sword-and-sorcery into a distinct narrative cornerstone.