Robert E. Howard

Robert Ervin Howard was an American author who wrote pulp fiction in a diverse range of genres. He is well known for creating the character Conan the Barbarian and is considered a pioneer in the sword and sorcery subgenre.

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. Conan The Conqueror

    The Hour of the Dragon

    In this classic sword and sorcery tale, the indomitable warrior embarks on a perilous quest to avenge the death of a beloved comrade. He faces treacherous sorcery, battles monstrous creatures, and navigates the intrigues of a decadent eastern empire. As he confronts the malevolent wizard responsible for his friend's demise, the hero's journey is fraught with supernatural challenges and brutal combat, showcasing his unparalleled strength and cunning. His relentless pursuit of vengeance and justice leads him to ultimately seize a throne, cementing his legend as a fearsome and legendary conqueror.

    The 2137th Greatest Book of All Time
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  2. 2. Always Come Evening

    This collection of poetry delves into themes of darkness, mystery, and the supernatural, reflecting the author's fascination with the macabre and the unknown. The poems explore a range of emotions and settings, often invoking imagery of ancient times, mythical creatures, and haunting landscapes. Through vivid language and a rhythmic style, the work captures a sense of timelessness and the eerie beauty of the night, inviting readers to ponder the deeper, often unsettling aspects of human experience and imagination.

    The 5509th Greatest Book of All Time
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  3. 3. The People Of The Black Circle

    This narrative is a thrilling fantasy adventure set in the pseudo-historical Hyborian Age, focusing on the iconic barbarian hero as he becomes entangled in a complex plot of sorcery, power struggles, and vengeance. The story unfolds in the mountainous regions of ancient India, where the protagonist must navigate treacherous alliances and confront the powerful sorcerer who leads the mysterious Black Circle. Amidst the backdrop of political intrigue and dark magic, the tale weaves together themes of loyalty, ambition, and the clash between barbarism and civilization, showcasing the hero's brute strength and cunning intellect as he battles formidable foes and seeks to rescue a kidnapped princess, ultimately challenging the very forces that seek to manipulate and control the fate of kingdoms.

    The 13362nd Greatest Book of All Time
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  4. 4. Conan The Barbarian

    The book follows the epic tales of a formidable warrior from the ancient, mythical land of Cimmeria. Known for his exceptional strength, courage, and swordsmanship, the protagonist embarks on a series of adventures across treacherous lands filled with sorcery, fierce creatures, and ruthless enemies. His journey is marked by battles for power, the quest for treasure, and encounters with a diverse cast of characters, both friend and foe. Throughout his exploits, the barbarian hero confronts the dark forces of civilization and the mysteries of an age-old world, all while forging his own legend in a savage, untamed world.

    The 13549th Greatest Book of All Time
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  5. 5. The Coming Of Conan The Cimmerian

    The Original Adventures of the Greatest Sword and Sorcery Hero of All Time

    This book is a collection of fantasy stories that introduce readers to Conan the Cimmerian, a character who has become an iconic figure in the sword and sorcery genre. Set in a mythical version of the ancient world, these tales follow Conan's adventures across the continents of Hyboria, from his youth as a thief and a mercenary to his eventual rise as a king. Through battles with monstrous creatures, encounters with sorcerers, and dealings with various civilizations, the stories showcase Conan's strength, cunning, and unwavering will. The collection not only explores themes of power, survival, and destiny but also lays the foundation for much of modern fantasy literature.

    The 14986th Greatest Book of All Time
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  6. 6. Pigeons From Hell

    The story unfolds in the eerie Southern backwoods, where two travelers, Griswell and Branner, stumble upon an abandoned plantation house rumored to be haunted. As night falls, they experience a series of terrifying events, culminating in Branner's gruesome death. Griswell, seeking help from the local sheriff, learns of the plantation's dark history, including tales of murder, voodoo, and a sinister presence known as the "pigeons from hell." Together, they confront the malevolent forces within the house, uncovering a chilling legacy of evil that has persisted through generations.

    The 16933rd Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. The Tower Of The Elephant

    In a tale of daring adventure and mysticism, a young barbarian named Conan ventures into the heart of a forbidden city to steal a legendary jewel known as the Heart of the Elephant. Driven by tales of its immense power, Conan infiltrates the heavily guarded Tower, overcoming deadly traps and fearsome foes. Within the tower's depths, he encounters an enigmatic and tragic creature, whose fate is intertwined with the jewel's dark history. As Conan navigates treachery and ancient sorcery, he learns that true power often comes at a great cost, and not all treasures are meant to be taken.

  8. 8. The Pool Of The Black One

    In this thrilling tale of adventure and mystery, a daring pirate named Conan finds himself aboard the ship of the infamous Zaporavo, sailing towards uncharted islands in search of hidden treasures. As the crew lands on a mysterious island, they encounter eerie statues and a sinister pool that holds dark secrets. Conan's cunning and strength are put to the test as he battles against supernatural forces and treacherous foes, ultimately uncovering the island's chilling truth. The story is a gripping blend of swashbuckling action and eerie suspense, showcasing Conan's indomitable spirit and relentless pursuit of freedom and fortune.

  9. 9. Jewels Of Gwahlur

    In this thrilling tale set in the mythical Hyborian Age, the legendary adventurer Conan the Barbarian embarks on a perilous quest to uncover the fabled treasure of the ancient kingdom of Alkmeenon. As he navigates through the treacherous jungle and the mysterious, trap-laden ruins, Conan encounters a web of deceit, betrayal, and supernatural forces. With cunning adversaries and enigmatic allies at every turn, Conan must rely on his unmatched strength and wits to outmaneuver those who seek to thwart his pursuit of the priceless jewels, all while unraveling the secrets of a long-lost civilization.

  10. 10. Rogues In The House

    In a tale of political intrigue and dark sorcery, a cunning thief finds himself entangled in a web of betrayal and danger. Tasked with assassinating a corrupt priest, he must navigate a labyrinthine mansion filled with deadly traps and monstrous creatures. As alliances shift and secrets unravel, the thief's survival hinges on his wits and combat prowess. Amidst the shadows of deception, he confronts a formidable foe, revealing the true nature of power and treachery in a world where trust is a rare commodity.

  11. 11. The Scarlet Citadel

    In this thrilling tale of sword and sorcery, the formidable King Conan of Aquilonia finds himself ensnared in a treacherous plot orchestrated by the malevolent sorcerer Tsotha-lanti. Stripped of his power and imprisoned in the dark, labyrinthine dungeons of the Scarlet Citadel, Conan must rely on his indomitable will and unparalleled combat skills to escape. As he battles monstrous creatures and navigates the sinister corridors of the citadel, Conan's journey is one of resilience and cunning, culminating in a fierce confrontation that tests the limits of his strength and determination.

  12. 12. Red Nails

    In a tale set in a mysterious, ancient city, a fierce warrior and a skilled adventurer find themselves entangled in a deadly conflict between two warring factions. As they navigate the labyrinthine corridors and encounter bizarre inhabitants, they uncover the city's dark secrets and the sinister forces at play. The story is a gripping exploration of survival, loyalty, and the relentless pursuit of power, with vivid descriptions of battles and the haunting atmosphere of a civilization on the brink of collapse.

  13. 13. The Savage Tales Of Solomon Kane

    Set in a richly imagined world of dark fantasy and adventure, the narrative follows a stern and enigmatic Puritan wanderer who roams the globe, driven by an unyielding sense of justice and a relentless pursuit of evil. With his formidable swordsmanship and unwavering faith, he confronts a myriad of supernatural threats, from malevolent sorcerers to ancient curses, across exotic and perilous landscapes. Each tale is a testament to his indomitable spirit and moral conviction, painting a vivid portrait of a lone hero battling the forces of darkness with courage and conviction.

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  14. 14. The Complete Chronicles Of Conan

    The Original Adventures of the Greatest Sword and Sorcery Hero of All Time

    This collection brings together the legendary tales of a formidable warrior navigating the treacherous landscapes of a mythical world filled with magic, mystery, and danger. The protagonist, known for his unparalleled strength and cunning, embarks on epic adventures across diverse realms, facing formidable foes and forging alliances. Each story delves into themes of heroism, survival, and the eternal struggle between good and evil, painting a vivid picture of a bygone era where the line between myth and reality blurs. The narratives are rich with action, intrigue, and the timeless allure of a hero's journey.

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  15. 15. Canaan Negro Y Otros Relatos De Horror Sobrenatural

    This collection of supernatural horror stories plunges readers into a world where the boundaries between reality and the eerie unknown blur. Each tale is steeped in a chilling atmosphere, exploring themes of ancient curses, malevolent spirits, and the dark corners of the human psyche. With vivid descriptions and a masterful command of suspense, the narratives weave together elements of folklore and the macabre, leaving readers with a lingering sense of unease and wonder at the mysteries that lurk just beyond the veil of the ordinary.

  16. 16. Conan The Usurper

    Now ruling as a rough-hewn monarch, the Cimmerian faces courtly treachery, rebellious nobles, and sinister sorcerers who conspire to strip him of power; the stories follow his brutal clashes, narrow escapes, and daring campaigns of revenge and recovery as he uses violence, cunning, and raw leadership to defend and reclaim his throne in a grim, sword-and-sorcery age.

  17. 17. Conan The Freebooter

    A hard-bitten Cimmerian raider roams the savage Hyborian Age as a freebooter, living by steel and guile as he fights rival pirates, corrupt rulers, and uncanny sorceries in search of wealth and survival. The narrative follows his daring sea raids, brutal close-quarters battles, and narrow escapes from treachery and dark magic, emphasizing raw physical prowess, quick wit, and a stubborn personal code. Blending swashbuckling action with grim supernatural threats, the stories paint a vivid portrait of a solitary adventurer who thrives on danger and the spoils it brings.

  18. 18. Conan The Wanderer

    A broad, action-driven chronicle of a wandering, larger-than-life barbarian who drifts from one lawless frontier to another, earning coin and enemies as a mercenary, pirate and bandit leader; he survives by a blend of brute strength, quick wit and an unbending code, repeatedly clashing with corrupt rulers, occult forces and brutal rival warbands. The stories emphasize relentless adventure and dark sorcery as he pursues freedom and fortune across expositional, vividly rendered landscapes, illustrating the tension between raw survival instincts and the intrigues of decadent civilizations.

  19. 19. Conan Of Cimmeria

    Set in a savage, prehistorical world of shifting empires and dark magic, the book follows a rugged Cimmerian barbarian whose wanderings take him from battlefields and pirate ships to decadent cities and haunted ruins; resourceful, merciless and driven by a rough code of honor, he clashes with sorcerers, kings, thieves and monstrous foes while seeking treasure, vengeance and the sheer thrill of combat. The tales blend brisk, brutal swordplay with supernatural menace and dry, grim humor to paint a portrait of a larger-than-life adventurer surviving by wit, strength and will.

  20. 20. The Horror Stories Of Robert E. Howard

    A collection of lean, muscular pulp tales that plunge readers into a world of ancient curses, occult rites, and primeval monsters, where ordinary men and brooding heroes confront revenant evils, creeping madness, and the uncanny residues of lost civilizations; atmospheric and fast-paced, the stories blend historical and frontier settings with visceral action and macabre imagery, delivering bleak, suspenseful encounters that emphasize fate, brutality, and the supernatural’s persistent hold on human lives.

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  21. 21. Robert E. Howard's Conan The Cimmerian Barbarian

    A fierce Cimmerian warrior wanders a savage, ancient world, relying on raw strength, guile, and a stubborn personal code to survive clashes with corrupt rulers, marauding foes, and dark sorcery; his episodic adventures — from shipboard skirmishes and city intrigues to raids for treasure and revenge — pit him against monstrous threats and decadent civilizations while forging his reputation as a relentless, freedom‑loving legend.

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  22. 22. People Of The Dark

    A grim, Puritan wanderer pursues a trail of atrocity into a remote, shadowed land and uncovers a secretive cult steeped in sorcery and ancient horrors; battling both human depravity and supernatural forces, he races to save the innocent and purge the evil by sheer will and relentless action.

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  23. 24. The Wildside Book Of Fantasy

    A compact collection of pulp-era fantasy tales that gathers muscular, action-driven stories of barbaric heroes, haunted ancient civilizations, uncanny sorcery and monstrous foes; spare, atmospheric prose and relentless pacing propel vivid, often violent set pieces—ruined cities, strange artifacts, blood-soaked battles and lonely warriors confronting supernatural dread—blending mythic mood and frontier bravado into a fierce, escapist anthology.

  24. 25. Kull

    A brooding Atlantean warrior who becomes king of a prehistoric realm struggles with betrayal, ruthless nobles, and uncanny sorceries as he defends his throne against secret cults, monstrous foes, and the unsettling mysteries of identity and reality; the stories blend high-action sword-and-sorcery adventure with dark, philosophical undertones about power, fate, and the nature of the self.

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  25. 27. Skull Face

    A grim pulp-horror/espionage tale in which a scarred, skull-masked mastermind engineers a worldwide conspiracy to wreck Western civilization using a blend of occult knowledge and modern subversion; pursued by a hard-bitten, war-scarred narrator, the plot unfolds through betrayals, exotic investigations, and violent confrontations as the protagonist unravels the villain’s vengeful motives and seeks to stop an impending catastrophe.

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  26. 28. El Borak And Other Desert Adventures

    These linked pulp tales follow Francis Xavier Gordon—nicknamed El Borak—a hard-minded Texan whose speed, marksmanship and cunning keep him alive amid tribal feuds, mutinies and political intrigues across the Middle Eastern and Central Asian deserts. The stories blend breathless action, ambushes, narrow escapes and fierce hand-to-hand combat with vivid desert atmosphere and ruthless antagonists, portraying frontier violence, honor and survival in stark, economical prose. Together they form a fast-paced cycle of adventurous set pieces and cultural clashes typical of early 20th-century pulp fiction.

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  27. 29. The Best Of Robert E. Howard

    A rousing collection of fast-paced, atmospheric tales that blend sword-and-sorcery action, grim historical adventure, and supernatural horror; it showcases larger-than-life warriors, brutal combat, eerie curses, and stark landscapes while exploring primal themes of honor, fate, and the clash between civilization and barbarism. The muscular prose, pulpy energy, and vivid worldbuilding deliver relentless adrenaline and dark imagination, offering both thrilling heroic exploits and unsettling moments of dread.

  28. 33. Bran Mak Morn

    A grim, action-driven collection of sword-and-sorcery tales centered on a fierce Pictish king who struggles to hold his people together against Roman imperial forces and supernatural threats. The stories blend brutal guerrilla warfare, tribal intrigue, and dark sorcery, featuring personal quests for vengeance that lead to uneasy alliances with ancient, monstrous powers. Tone is bleak and mythic: heroism and savagery mingle as the protagonist fights for a doomed, fading world, culminating in tragic, atmospheric conclusions.

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  29. 34. Heroes In The Wind

    A posthumous collection of tales and essays that gathers visceral adventure fiction across genres—proto-sword-and-sorcery sketches, brooding early heroic pieces, hard-bitten Westerns and boxing yarns—tracing the evolution of a mythic, larger-than-life sensibility; lean, muscular prose and relentless action underscore recurring themes of barbarism versus civilization, fate and decline, and a bittersweet nostalgia for solitary heroes who clash with savage landscapes and corrupt societies.

  30. 35. Cormac Mac Art

    A rousing historical-adventure follows a rugged Irish warrior who becomes a daring sea-rover and ship captain in the perilous age of Norse raids, driving him through brutal ship-battles, clan feuds, treachery, and quests for vengeance; vivid, fast-paced action and hard-edged honor portray his rise from exile to legendary outlaw as he navigates shifting alliances, fierce enemies, and the harsh, often uncanny dangers of the medieval seas.

  31. 36. The Complete Marvel Conan The Barbarian, Vol. 6

    A collection of comic-book adventures following a fierce Cimmerian warrior as he roams a savage, prehistorical world of sorcery and iron, confronting sorcerers, monstrous beings and rival warlords; the volume assembles action-packed tales and vividly illustrated clashes of sword and sorcery, blending brutal combat, dark mysticism and pulpy atmosphere as the hero pursues treasure, revenge and survival across exotic cities, cursed ruins and bloody battlefields.

  32. 37. The Black Stranger

    "The Black Stranger" is a fantasy short story by American writer Robert E. Howard, one of his works featuring the sword & sorcery hero Conan the Cimmerian. It was written in the 1930s, but not published in his lifetime. When the original Conan version of his story failed to find a publisher, Howard rewrote "The Black Stranger" into a piratical Terence Vulmea story entitled "Swords of the Red Brotherhood". The original version of the story was later rewritten by L. Sprague de Camp into a different Conan story and published in Fantasy Magazine in February 1953 (dated March 1953 on the spine). It was retitled "The Treasure of Tranicos" for book publication later the same year. Its first hardbound publication was in King Conan by Gnome Press, and its first paperback publication was in Conan the Usurper published by Lancer Books in 1967. It was republished together with an introduction and two non-fiction pieces on the story and on Howard by de Camp with illustrations by Esteban Maroto as The Treasure of Tranicos by Ace Books in 1980. Howard's original version of the story was first published in 1987 in Echoes of Valor and more recently in the collections The Conan Chronicles Volume 2: The Hour of the Dragon (Gollancz, 2001) and Conan of Cimmeria: Volume Three (1935-1936) (Del Rey Books, 2005).

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  33. 38. The Haunter Of The Ring & Other Tales

    A compact collection of pulp-era tales that blend occult horror, dark fantasy and swashbuckling adventure, presenting fast-paced stories of cursed objects, lost civilizations, monstrous foes and desperate human struggle; the pieces move between contemporary suspense and archaic, mythic settings, delivering muscular, vivid prose and atmospheric dread as characters confront ancient evils, uncanny phenomena and violent destinies.

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  34. 39. Almuric

    A restless, ill-fitting man is swept from his old life to a savage, prehistoric alien world where survival depends on quick learning, raw strength, and ruthless adaptability; amid vast jungles, brutal beasts and warring tribes he hones himself into a fearsome warrior, forges fierce loyalties, wins love and leads a desperate struggle against monstrous foes and oppressive forces, ultimately embracing the violent freedom and harsh justice of his new home.

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