# Robert E. Howard

> American author (1906–1936)

**Wikidata**: [Q207640](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q207640)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_E._Howard)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/robert-e-howard

## Summary
Robert E. Howard was an American author (1906–1936) best known for creating iconic fantasy characters like Conan the Barbarian and Solomon Kane, shaping the sword-and-sorcery genre. His works, including *The Hour of the Dragon* and *Pigeons from Hell*, remain foundational in fantasy literature.

## Biography
- Born: January 22, 1906
- Nationality: American
- Education: Attended Howard Payne University (Brownwood, Texas) and the University of Texas at Austin
- Known for: Pioneering the sword-and-sorcery subgenre of fantasy with works like *Conan the Barbarian* and *Solomon Kane*
- Employer(s): No explicit employers listed in source material
- Field(s): Literature, fantasy, adventure fiction

## Contributions
Robert E. Howard authored numerous influential works in fantasy and adventure fiction, including:
- *The Hour of the Dragon* (1934): A fantasy novel that introduced the Hyborian Age setting and the character Conan the Barbarian.
- *Pigeons from Hell* (1934): A short story that expanded the Conan universe and established key themes of the genre.
- *Solomon Kane* series: A series of novels featuring the titular antihero, known for its blend of historical and mythological elements.
- *Kull of Atlantis* series: A series of novels set in the lost city of Atlantis, featuring the character Kull.
- *The Hyborian Age* setting: A fictional period created by Howard, which became the foundation for the sword-and-sorcery subgenre.

## FAQs
**What is Robert E. Howard known for?**
Robert E. Howard is known for pioneering the sword-and-sorcery subgenre of fantasy literature, creating iconic characters like Conan the Barbarian and Solomon Kane, and establishing the Hyborian Age setting.

**Where did Robert E. Howard study?**
Robert E. Howard attended Howard Payne University in Brownwood, Texas, and the University of Texas at Austin, though no specific degrees are listed in the source material.

**What are some of Robert E. Howard's most famous works?**
Some of Robert E. Howard's most famous works include *The Hour of the Dragon*, *Pigeons from Hell*, the *Solomon Kane* series, and the *Kull of Atlantis* series.

**What is the Hyborian Age?**
The Hyborian Age is a fictional period created by Robert E. Howard, serving as the setting for many of his works, including those featuring Conan the Barbarian and Kull of Atlantis.

**How did Robert E. Howard influence fantasy literature?**
Robert E. Howard's influence on fantasy literature is profound, as he established the sword-and-sorcery subgenre and created enduring characters that have inspired generations of writers and readers.

## Why They Matter
Robert E. Howard is a foundational figure in fantasy literature, particularly the sword-and-sorcery subgenre. His creation of iconic characters like Conan the Barbarian and Solomon Kane, along with the establishment of the Hyborian Age setting, has had a lasting impact on the genre. Howard's works have inspired countless writers and continue to be celebrated for their rich storytelling and imaginative worlds. His contributions to literature have shaped the adventure fiction genre and remain influential to this day.

## Notable For
- Pioneering the sword-and-sorcery subgenre of fantasy literature.
- Creating iconic characters like Conan the Barbarian and Solomon Kane.
- Establishing the Hyborian Age setting, which became the foundation for the genre.
- Authoring influential works such as *The Hour of the Dragon* and *Pigeons from Hell*.
- Expanding the Conan universe with key themes and lore.
- Developing the *Solomon Kane* series, known for its blend of historical and mythological elements.
- Introducing the character Kull of Atlantis and his lost city setting.

## Body
### Identity and Life
Robert E. Howard was an American author born on January 22, 1906. He is best known for his contributions to fantasy and adventure fiction, particularly the sword-and-sorcery subgenre. Howard's works have had a profound impact on literature, shaping the genre and inspiring generations of writers.

### Literary Works and Genres
Robert E. Howard authored numerous influential works, including:
- *The Hour of the Dragon* (1934): A fantasy novel that introduced the Hyborian Age setting and the character Conan the Barbarian.
- *Pigeons from Hell* (1934): A short story that expanded the Conan universe and established key themes of the genre.
- *Solomon Kane* series: A series of novels featuring the titular antihero, known for its blend of historical and mythological elements.
- *Kull of Atlantis* series: A series of novels set in the lost city of Atlantis, featuring the character Kull.

### Characters Created
Robert E. Howard created several iconic characters, including:
- Conan the Barbarian: A fictional character who appears in the *Conan the Barbarian* series and other works.
- Solomon Kane: A fictional character who appears in the *Solomon Kane* series, known for his antihero status and blend of historical and mythological elements.
- Kull of Atlantis: A fictional character who appears in the *Kull of Atlantis* series, set in the lost city of Atlantis.

### Influence and Legacy
Robert E. Howard's contributions to literature have had a profound and lasting impact. His works have influenced generations of readers and writers, shaping the adventure fiction genre. His influence extends to modern fantasy literature, ensuring his enduring relevance. Howard's creation of the Hyborian Age setting and iconic characters like Conan the Barbarian and Solomon Kane have become foundational elements of the sword-and-sorcery subgenre.

### Affiliations and Connections
Robert E. Howard was affiliated with Howard Payne University, where he attended. He also studied at the University of Texas at Austin. His works are connected to the Hyborian Age setting, Cimmeria, and other fictional elements created by him. Howard's influence extends to other writers and the broader literary community, shaping the adventure fiction genre.

## References

1. Handbook of Texas
2. BnF authorities
3. International Standard Name Identifier
4. CiNii Research
5. Virtual International Authority File
6. MusicBrainz
7. SNAC
8. Find a Grave
9. Internet Speculative Fiction Database
10. Howard, Robert E. (22 January 1906–11 June 1936), fiction writer
11. NooSFere
12. BD Gest'
13. Vegetti Catalog of Fantastic Literature
14. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
15. [Source](https://www.sfadb.com/British_Fantasy_Awards_2001)
16. [Source](https://www.sfadb.com/British_Fantasy_Awards_2002)
17. Robert Ervin Howard (1906-1936) | Open Library. Open Library
18. The Movie Database