The Garden of Fear

The stories of Robert E. Howard connect us to the past. Through the stories in this volume, Howard creates and disseminates his myths, his worldview. There is something, further; within such stories which connects the reader’s personal, spiritual, philosophical, and psychological values and beliefs with Howard’s written word; it is an odyssey of the mind.

Included in this volume are six classic stories and one poem. “Queen of the Black Coast” is undoubtedly one of Howard’s finest Conan tales. “The Haunter of the Ring” follows the detective exploits of Conrad and Kirowan, and the unveiling of Thoth-Amon’s mystical ring. “The Garden of Fear” explores reincarnation, anthropology, theology and evolution, through the quest of James Allison as Hunwulf, living a life that was once his own. “The Devil in Iron” is read best as a preamble to the Conan saga. The novella “The People of the Black Circle” is interesting in that it deals exclusively with a cultural background unique to the Conan saga and pays homage to one of Howward’s literary influences, the charismatic Talbot Mundy. The pagan drama “A Witch Shall Be Born” is a bountiful excavation of classic mythology, history and religion. The powerful signature of Howard’s philosophical battle between civilisation and barbarism culminates in what is surely one of the greatest scenes to ever occur in the Conan saga: the crucifixion of the Cimmerian.