Book Review: The Coming of Conan the Cimmerian
As a lifelong aficionado of fantasy literature, I often find myself drawn to the roots of the genre, and that’s exactly why The Coming of Conan the Cimmerian caught my eye. Robert E. Howard’s Conan has not only influenced countless tales since his inception but also has a raw, primal energy that speaks to the adventurer in all of us. With this collection, I was eager to revisit the seminal stories that established sword and sorcery as a genre.
This volume compiles Howard’s first thirteen Conan adventures, each one a vivid tapestry of action, magic, and moral ambiguity. The overarching themes of survival, power, and the duality of civilization are masterfully woven through Conan’s encounters with tyrants, monstrous beasts, and formidable sorcerers. Howard’s prose comes alive in scenes like the thrilling escape from The Tower of the Elephant or the swashbuckling romance in Queen of the Black Coast. Each narrative not only opens the door to the dark and mysterious Hyborian Age but also offers insight into the complexity of human desires and weaknesses.
Howard’s writing style is refreshingly bold, with a rhythmic quality that often feels poetic. His descriptive ability pulls you right into the heart of the action; you can almost feel the weight of Conan’s sword as he faces overwhelming odds. There’s a certain vigor to his sentences, a stark contrast to the more subdued fantasy prose of today. Notably, the opening lines of Phoenix on the Sword resonate deeply, beckoning the reader into what would become a mythos unparalleled in literary history: “Between the years when the oceans drank Atlantis… Hither came Conan, the Cimmerian…” You can’t help but be drawn in.
One of the joys of this collection is the context it provides; alongside the original tales are snippets of Howard’s drafts and synopses, enriching the reading experience. The illustrations by Mark Schultz are equally captivating, perfectly complementing the stories. They capture the essence of the turbulent battles and evoke the enchanting landscapes of Howard’s imagination. Each character, from the heroic Conan to the duplicitous Thoth-Amon, springs to life not only through the text but also through these stunning visuals.
However, it’s essential to approach this work with a mindset geared toward the era in which it was written. The depictions of women in particular reflect the prevailing attitudes of the 1930s, often portraying them as damsels in distress or love interests. While these portrayals can be jarring from a contemporary viewpoint, they also serve as a fascinating lens through which to explore cultural narratives of the time.
In conclusion, The Coming of Conan the Cimmerian is a treasure trove for fans of classic fantasy and those curious about the origins of modern epic tales. Whether you’re a seasoned lover of sword and sorcery or a newcomer to the genre, this collection promises an exhilarating journey filled with adventure and introspection. Personally, it reminded me of the sheer joy of immersing myself in stories that ignite the imagination and transport you to worlds unlike our own. So, grab your sword, pour yourself a mug of ale, and dive into the rich saga of Conan—the barbarian who continues to conquer the hearts of generations.