Weird Works of Robert E. Howard

"People of the Dark" is a short story by Robert E. Howard, first published in 1932. The tale blends elements of fantasy, horror, and adventure, set within the dark and mysterious world of ancient races and reincarnation. The protagonist, John O'Brien, experiences strange dreams in which he finds himself in a past life as a warrior named Conan. Through these visions, he discovers a lost civilization and becomes entangled in an ancient conflict. The story is notable for its exploration of themes such as the cyclical nature of time, the struggle for power, and the primal instincts buried deep within human nature. Howard's vivid descriptions of underground cities, eerie creatures, and brutal combat create a captivating atmosphere that pulls readers into the shadowy depths of a forgotten world. "People of the Dark" is also significant for its early depiction of Conan, a character who would later become one of Howard's most famous creations. Although the Conan in this story is not fully developed as the iconic Cimmerian barbarian, the themes and tone foreshadow Howard's later works. This story exemplifies Howard's skill at blending action with an eerie sense of the supernatural.

The definitive 10-volume set of Robert E. Howard's weird fiction and poetry (with all texts meticulously restored to the original versions as published in Weird Tales and other magazines) continues with volume 6, GARDENS OF FEAR! This collection of classic Howard begins with the Conan story "Queen of the Black Coast," and also includes "The Haunter of the Ring," "The Garden of Fear," "The Devil in Iron," "The Voices Waken Memory," "The People of the Black Circle," and "A Witch Shall Be Born."

The definitive 10-volume set of Robert E. Howard's weird fiction and poetry (with all texts meticulously restored to the original versions as published in Weird Tales and other magazines) continues with volume 7! This collection of classic Howard fiction begins with the story "The Grisly Horror" and also includes "Jewels of Gwahlur," "Beyond the Black HIlls," "The Challenge from Beyond" (co-written with C.L. Moore, A. Merritt, H.P. Lovecraft, and Frank Belknap Long), and "Shadows in Zamboula."

The definitive 10-volume set of Robert E. Howard's weird fiction and poetry (with all texts meticulously restored to the original versions as published in Weird Tales and other magazines) continues with HOURS OF THE DRAGON. This volume includes "The Hour of the Dragon," the only Conan novel by Howard, as well as Howard's lengthy essay on the world of Conan, "The Hyborian Age." Introduction by Paul Herman.

The definitive 10-volume set of Robert E. Howard's weird fiction and poetry (with all texts meticulously restored to the original versions as published in Weird Tales and other magazines) continues with volume 9! This collection of classic Howard fiction and poetry begins with the story "Black Canaan" and includes "Always Comes Evening," "Red Nails," "Solomon Kane's Homecoming," "Black Hound of Death," "The Fire of Asshurbanipal," "Dig Me No Grave," "The Soul-Eater," "The Dream and the Shadow," "Which Will Scarcely Be Understood," "Futility," "Fragment," "Haunting Columns," "The Poets," and "The Singer in the Mist." Introduction, by Mark Finn. Cover by Stephen Fabian.