It is with great pleasure that we present “The Selected Letters of Novalyne Price Ellis,” a compelling collection edited by Bobby Derie and specially printed for Howard Days 2024. This limited edition of 200 copies offers an intimate glimpse into the life and thoughts of educator and writer Novalyne Price Ellis, whose legacy is forever intertwined with that of Robert E. Howard, the celebrated creator of Conan the Barbarian.

Best remembered today for her memoir “One Who Walked Alone,” which poignantly chronicles her relationship with Howard, Novalyne’s letters provide a rich, nuanced perspective on their time together. This collection includes not only her correspondences with Howard but also her extensive communications with prominent pulp scholars over the years. Through these letters, readers can explore the depth of her intellect, her enduring passion for literature, and her insightful reflections on a man who has become a legend in the world of fantasy fiction.

The letters between Novalyne and Robert E. Howard, selected with care, reveal the warmth, humor, and complexity of their interactions. From Howard’s poetic musings to their casual exchanges about daily life, these letters are a testament to a unique and significant friendship. Additionally, the inclusion of Novalyne’s correspondences with figures such as L. Sprague de Camp and Glenn Lord further enriches our understanding of her enduring influence and dedication to preserving Howard’s legacy.

Edited and compiled by Bobby Derie, a respected scholar in the field of pulp fiction studies, this collection is not merely an academic exercise but a heartfelt tribute to Novalyne Price Ellis. It reflects her lasting impact on those who have followed in Howard’s literary footsteps and those who seek to keep his memory alive.

As you turn the pages of this meticulously curated volume, we hope you will appreciate the authenticity and emotional depth captured within. These letters are more than historical documents; they are windows into the soul of a woman who walked alongside one of the greatest storytellers of the 20th century. Whether you are a scholar, a fan of Robert E. Howard, or simply someone who appreciates the art of letter writing, “The Selected Letters of Novalyne Price Ellis” promises to be a valuable and cherished addition to your collection.

Contents

• v • Introduction • essay by Bobby Derie
• 1 • Novalyne Price Ellis (1908-1999) • essay by Rusty Burke
• 9 • The Letters of Novalyne Price Ellis
  • 9 • To Santa Claus, mid-December 1934
  • 10 • To Robert E. Howard, 12 July 1934
  • 13 • To L. Sprague de Camp, 20 August 1977
  • 21 • To Jonathan Bacon, 29 November 1977
  • 23 • To L. Sprague and Catherine de Camp, 8 June 1978
  • 26 • To L. Sprague de Camp, 26 July 1978
  • 30 • To L. Sprague de Camp, 5 August 1979
  • 41 • To Glenn Lord, 31 July 1986
  • 42 • To Bill Cavalier, 20 October 1986
  • 46 • To Thomas W. Collins, 10 November 1988
  • 53 • To Bill Cavalier, 4 April 1990
  • 58 • To Rusty Burke, 16 November 1990
  • 64 • To Bill Cavalier, 23 April 1991
  • 71 • To Fantasia, Fall 1991
  • 78 • To The Daily Advertiser (Lafayette, LA), 11 April 1992
• 81 • Small World • essay by James Reasoner
• 84 • Her Letters to Robert E. Howard: Novalyne Price