4 replies to this topic

[Libaax]

I was wondering if you guys read certain number of Howard books in a year.

I have challenged myself to 7 Howard books this year just so i dont forget and waste time on other less interesting books,authors. I havent read all the collections out there so i focused this year on his other literary characters and not just the famous character series.  I have read two books so far in Conan volume 1, Solomon Kane complete Del Rey collection.

I just ordered Almuric,Waterfront Fist and others:Collected Fight Stories, A Gent from Bear Creek and Kull:Exile of Atlantis.

So im asking how do you read REH? With a focused plan,reading a number of stories,books in a year like me or some other way?

Edited by Libaax, 11 September 2012 - 06:13 PM.

[BarB]

Libaax
I can so relate. When I became a Howard fan, I was like a bottomless pit when it came to reading his stories and poems. I read everything and whatever I could get my hands on starting with the Del Reys. Then I learned how to use eBay and became a member so I could buy up whatever I didn't have. This was after the big shock when I found out the bookstores such as Barnes and Noble didn't carry any of his poetry books. Now I sort of envy people who haven't read most of his stories. I often re-read favorites but that initial impact was so awesome.

During this time I didn't read any critical essays or articles about REH. I'm a purist about his words and also wanted to view his writings without any preconceived ideas or prejudice. I'm getting caught up on those now.

I think whatever works for you is the way to go. The books you just ordered look like lots of enjoyment for you. That's for sure. Have fun!
BB

[alfredbonnabel]

I've set myself a similar goal Libaax. I try to read a different Howard tale every week, though most of what I am reading lately has been his shorter Soloman Kane, Conan, and Bran Mak Morn tales. I do most of my reading on my smart phone while I am away from the house so these tales go by pretty quickly. I have even started to branch out into some of Howard's western, detective, and boxing tales as well but there is still plenty of material out there for me to discover.

I do try to stay away from the critical essays at this point since my reading is more for entertainment than critique. That being said I do enjoy some of the other supplemental material out there including the collected letters and the volumes on Howard's friends.

[Officer Aggro]

I have no plan whatsoever. Typically, I'll get in the mood to read a Howard story or two, switch to something else for a bit, then eventually return to Howard. I like to change things up now and then, but REH is one of those authors I'll always come back to.

[Libaax]

Libaax
I can so relate. When I became a Howard fan, I was like a bottomless pit when it came to reading his stories and poems. I read everything and whatever I could get my hands on starting with the Del Reys. Then I learned how to use eBay and became a member so I could buy up whatever I didn't have. This was after the big shock when I found out the bookstores such as Barnes and Noble didn't carry any of his poetry books. Now I sort of envy people who haven't read most of his stories. I often re-read favorites but that initial impact was so awesome.

During this time I didn't read any critical essays or articles about REH. I'm a purist about his words and also wanted to view his writings without any preconceived ideas or prejudice. I'm getting caught up on those now.

I think whatever works for you is the way to go. The books you just ordered look like lots of enjoyment for you. That's for sure. Have fun!
BB

Its a both a blessing and a curse that he was so prolific and he is so easy buy books in print these days. Being REH fans post 2000 means there is alot of options. I have a plan to read these books because the danger is i will only read the S&S,horror,serious westerns,historicals which i have read alot of because they are my fav genres. I need to read humorous boxning,humor westerns to see what Howard is like.

I want to read the Mark Finn biography but not to interested in critical writing,letter books etc at the moment. I have read many essays that came with Del Rey books which is a bonus. Im focusing on Howard himself right now.

Then there is also Foundations books like poetry collections,other books that are not in print and available in bookstores.

Its wonderful times to be a fan when you can buy 4 brand new collections for 130 dollars. No need for old second hands that cost alot online.

Edited by Libaax, 13 September 2012 - 03:49 PM.