Who / What
King Conan is a collection of five fantasy short stories by American writer Robert E. Howard featuring his sword and sorcery hero Conan the Barbarian. It is also the name of two separate comic book series featuring the character.
Background & History
The book was first published in hardcover by Gnome Press in 1953. It compiles stories originally published in the pulp magazine *Weird Tales* during the 1930s. This volume is part of the posthumous publication efforts that helped cement Conan's legacy beyond Howard's lifetime.
Why Notable
The collection is significant for preserving and popularizing Robert E. Howard's Conan stories for new generations. It contributed to the enduring popularity of the Conan the Barbarian character in fantasy literature. The book's title was also adopted for comic book series, showing its influence across media.
In the News
While the original book is a historical publication, the King Conan name remains relevant through ongoing comic book adaptations and Conan's continued presence in popular culture. Recent comic series keep the character and title in contemporary discussions among fantasy fans.
