Robert Ervin Howard was an American writer born on January 22, 1906, in Peaster, Texas. Known for his prolific work in pulp fiction, he created iconic characters, most notably Conan the Barbarian, and is considered the father of the sword and sorcery subgenre. Raised in Texas, Howard wrote across a variety of genres, including horror, fantasy, and adventure, often weaving complex narratives involving mythological creatures, dark magic, and heroic struggles. His writing was influenced by authors such as H. P. Lovecraft and Clark Ashton Smith. Despite his early death at the age of 30 on June 11, 1936, in Cross Plains, Texas, Howard's impact on genre fiction was profound. His works have inspired countless writers, filmmakers, and artists, cementing his legacy within fantasy and pulp literature. His parents were Hester Jane Ervin Howard and Isaac Mordecai Howard, and Howard's creative output, especially his Conan stories, has continued to captivate audiences long after his untimely death. Howard's poems, like "Singers in the Shadows" and "Always Comes Evening," also reflect his talent for evoking vivid imagery and emotion.
