Books.org participates in affiliate programs including Bookshop.org and the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. We may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through links on this page, at no additional cost to you.
Overview
In his hugely influential and tempestuous career, Robert E. Howard created the genre that came to be known as sword and sorcery–and brought to life one of fantasy’s boldest and most enduring figures: Conan the Cimmerian–reaver, slayer, barbarian, king.
This lavishly illustrated volume gathers together three of Howard’s longest and most famous Conan stories–two of them printed for the first time directly from Howard’s typescript–along with a collection of the author’s previously unpublished and rarely seen outlines, notes, and drafts. Longtime fans and new readers alike will agree that The Bloody Crown of Conan merits a place of honor on every fantasy lover’s bookshelf.
THE PEOPLE OF THE BLACK CIRCLE
Amid the towering crags of Vendhya, in the shadowy citadel of the Black Circle, Yasmina of the golden throne seeks vengeance against the Black Seers. Her only ally is also her most formidable enemy–Conan, the outlaw chief.
THE HOUR OF THE DRAGON
Toppled from the throne of Aquilonia by the evil machinations of an undead wizard, Conan must find the fabled jewel known as the Heart of Ahriman to reclaim his crown . . . and save his life.
A WITCH SHALL BE BORN
A malevolent witch of evil beauty. An enslaved queen. A kingdom in the iron grip of ruthless mercenaries. And Conan, who plots deadly vengeance against the human wolf who left him in the desert to die.
Synopsis
Three popular stories highlight the original barbarian hero, Conan of Cimmeria, in this collection by the most influential sword-and-sorcery writer of the 20th century.
Publishers Weekly
The Bloody Crown of Conan, illustrated by Gary Gianni, gathers Robert E. Howard's only Conan novel, The Hour of the Dragon, plus two short stories and rare Howard miscellany. Scholar Rusty Burke explains Conan's enduring appeal in his introduction. Agent, Judith Hansen. Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.
Editorials
From Barnes & Noble
The Barnes & Noble ReviewThe Bloody Crown of Conan is an essential for all those who consider themselves aficionados of heroic fantasy. With two classic stories from Conan creator Robert E. Howard as well as his only Conan novel, this collection -- which features dozens of fantastic illustrations from Gary Gianni -- will warrant a place of honor in any fantasy lover's library.
In "The People of the Black Circle" (1934), Conan abducts the beautiful Yasmina, sister of the recently assassinated king of Vendhya, after seven of his warriors are captured and held for ransom by Vendhyan forces. Amid the turmoil of the royal murder which is being blamed on a group of dark sorcerers, Conan and Yasmina must stay live long enough to defeat the magic of the Black Circle…
"The Hour of the Dragon" (1935) pits Conan, the reigning king of Aquilonia, against a reanimated magician, Xaltotun, who has been dead for 3,000 years. After losing his crown to the faction that reawakened Xaltotun, Conan must find the mystical artifact that gives the undead wizard his power. His quest takes him through ghoul-infested wildernesses, deep into the subterranean stronghold of a cult of evil priests, and into the very heart of darkness itself. And after being crucified and left for dead in the desert, Conan seeks revenge against a witch posing as a queen in "A Witch Shall Be Born" (1934).
Also included in this remarkable collection is an insightful introduction by scholar Rusty Burke, as well as previously unpublished notes from the author himself. Simply put, The Bloody Crown of Conan is a must-have for any fan of the giant barbarian. Paul Goat Allen
Publishers Weekly
The Bloody Crown of Conan, illustrated by Gary Gianni, gathers Robert E. Howard's only Conan novel, The Hour of the Dragon, plus two short stories and rare Howard miscellany. Scholar Rusty Burke explains Conan's enduring appeal in his introduction. Agent, Judith Hansen. Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.This volume combines two Conan shorts plus Howard's only Conan novel, The Hour of the Dragon. Nice bonuses are additional story outlines, notes, early drafts, and more. Pretty cool. Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.