The Veiled Manuscripts is part of First Cuts: The Drafts and Fragments series and collects Robert E. Howard’s surviving drafts, synopses, and fragments connected to his spicy adventure stories. Several of the drafts included here have never been published before, making this volume a rare look at Howard’s working process in one of the most unusual corners of his career.

Presented from the original typescripts, the book includes editorial notes for each story, outlining publication history, known draft material, and available payment records where known. Footnotes document corrections, insertions, and other textual details. Designed as a companion to Spicy Adventures: The Ultimate Edition, this 500-page paperback edition also includes pulp-era illustrations connected to the stories.

The paperback edition is available first. A collector’s hardcover edition is also planned, following the style of the First Cuts Breckinridge project. This edition is expected to include a slipcase, foiled edges, ribbon marker, and head and tail bands. It will be available sometime after Howard Days, most likely in early fall.

Contents

• iii • Acknowledgments
• xi • Splashing the Field • Introduction by Ståle Gismervik
• xvii • On Editing Robert E. Howard • A Note on Language, Style, and Fidelity

The Girl on the Hell Ship

• 3 • The Girl on the Hell Ship • Editorial Notes
• 5 • The Girl on the Hell Ship — draft 1 • (untitled, complete)
• 21 • The Girl on the Hell Ship — draft 2 • (untitled, complete)
• 41 • The Girl on the Hell Ship — draft 3 • (untitled, complete)

Ship in Mutiny

• 61 • Ship in Mutiny • Editorial Notes
• 63 • Ship in Mutiny — synopsis • (untitled)
• 67 • Ship in Mutiny — draft 1 • (untitled, complete)
• 77 • Ship in Mutiny — draft 2 • (untitled, complete)
• 91 • Ship in Mutiny — draft 3 • (untitled, complete)
• 109 • Ship in Mutiny — draft 4 • (untitled, complete)

Desert Blood

• 129 • Desert Blood • Editorial Notes
• 131 • Desert Blood • (character notes)
• 133 • Desert Blood — draft 1 • (untitled, complete)
• 143 • Desert Blood — draft 2 • (untitled, complete)
• 157 • Desert Blood — draft 3 • (untitled, incomplete)
• 175 • Desert Blood — draft 4 • (untitled, complete)
• 193 • Desert Blood — draft 4 • (incomplete, false start – page 7)

The Purple Heart of Erlik

• 197 • The Purple Heart of Erlik • Editorial Notes
• 199 • The Purple Heart of Erlik — synopsis • (untitled)
• 203 • The Purple Heart of Erlik — draft 1 • (untitled, complete)
• 219 • The Purple Heart of Erlik — draft 2 • (untitled, complete)
• 237 • The Purple Heart of Erlik — draft 3 • (untitled, complete)

Daughters of Feud

• 257 • Daughters of Feud • Editorial Notes
• 259 • Daughters of Feud — synopsis • (untitled)
• 261 • Daughters of Feud — draft 1 • (untitled, complete)
• 279 • Daughters of Feud — draft 2 • (untitled, incomplete)
• 283 • Daughters of Feud — draft 3 • (untitled, complete)

Guns of Khartum

• 301 • Guns of Khartum • Editorial Notes
• 303 • Guns of Khartum — draft 1 • (untitled, complete)
• 321 • Guns of Khartum — draft 2 • (untitled, complete)
• 339 • Guns of Khartum — draft 2 • (untitled, incomplete – page 5 variant)
• 341 • Guns of Khartum — draft 2 • (untitled, incomplete – page 10 false start)

The Dragon of Kao Tsu

• 345 • The Dragon of Kao Tsu • Editorial Notes
• 347 • The Dragon of Kao Tsu — draft 1 • (untitled, complete)
• 363 • The Dragon of Kao Tsu — draft 2 • (untitled, incomplete)
• 369 • The Dragon of Kao Tsu — draft 3 • (untitled, complete)
• 389 • The Dragon of Kao Tsu — draft 4 • (untitled, complete)

Murderer’s Grog

• 409 • Murderer’s Grog • Editorial Notes
• 411 • Murderer’s Grog — synopsis • (untitled)
• 413 • Murderer’s Grog — draft 1 • (untitled, complete)
• 423 • Murderer’s Grog — draft 2 • (untitled, complete)
• 439 • Murderer’s Grog — draft 3 • (untitled, complete)
• 457 • Murderer’s Grog — draft 3-1 • (false start #1 – page 18)
• 459 • Murderer’s Grog — draft 3-2 • (alternative ending – page 17-19)
• 463 • Murderer’s Grog — draft 3-3 • (partial alternative ending – page 17-18)