The Fire of Asshurbanipal (ePub)

Robert Ervin Howard (1906-1936) was a prolific American author who is regarded as one of the pioneers of the sword and sorcery subgenre, a branch of fantasy characterized by brawling warriors and powerful magicians set in a world of dark sorcery and epic conflict. Born in Peaster, Texas, Howard is best known for creating the iconic character Conan the Barbarian, who first appeared in 'The Phoenix on the Sword' in 1932. His work on Conan spawned numerous short stories, many of which were published posthumously, and contributed greatly to the Conan mythos, which has since been expanded by other writers and adapted into various media, including film, television, and comics. Aside from Conan, Howard's other notable characters include Solomon Kane, a grim Puritan adventurer, and King Kull, an Atlantean barbarian king. 'The Fire of Asshurbanipal,' one of his standalone stories, demonstrates Howard's fascination with history, adventure and the supernatural, and showcases his vivid imagination and talent for storytelling. Howard's literary style often features fast-paced action, visceral descriptions, and a sense of impending doom. His works helped lay the foundation for modern fantasy literature and inspired countless authors in the genre. Tragically, Howard's life and career ended prematurely when he took his own life at the age of 30. Despite his short career, Howard's influence on the fantasy canon endures, and his stories continue to captivate readers around the world.