The Slithering Shadow (eBook)

Robert Ervin Howard (1906–1936) was an American author of pulp fiction whose body of work spanned a mere 12 years before his untimely death at the age of 30. Despite his brief career, Howard left an indelible mark on the genre of weird fiction, most notably with his creation of the character Conan the Barbarian. Born and raised in Texas, Howard's writings were often infused with the themes of history, myth, and his personal interpretations of the Texan landscape. His singular style often melded vibrant narrative with a rich, atmospheric setting, breathing life into his tales of sword and sorcery. 'The Slithering Shadow,' also known as 'Xuthal of the Dusk,' stands as a testament to his mastery of combining pulse-pounding action with fantastical elements in otherworldly settings. This particular narrative showcases his trademark character Conan in a tale of survival and adventure, as is typical of the broader Conan series. Howard's works, although sometimes dismissed during his lifetime, gained significant recognition posthumously. Today, he is regarded as one of the pioneers of sword and sorcery fiction, an influence to many writers in the genre. His writing style, which melds brevity with powerful description, enables readers to plunge into his worlds with an immediacy that is both visceral and immersive. Howard's dedication to his craft can be seen as a driving force behind the continuing popularity of his characters and stories within the fantasy genre.