The Robert E. Howard Foundation Press is delighted to present the Ultimate Edition of Western Tales, a comprehensive and meticulously curated collection of Robert E. Howard’s traditional and weird western stories. This new edition, spanning 646 pages, is available in hardcover, softcover, and eBook formats, making it an essential addition to any fan’s library.

This expanded edition brings together classic tales, rare fragments, and newly restored works. Among the highlights are the alternate version of “The Devil’s Joker,” the fragment “Drag,” and the previously unpublished synopsis “Vultures’ Sanctuary.” These, along with Howard’s classic western tales, showcase the breadth and depth of his storytelling prowess in the western genre.

What’s New in the Ultimate Edition:

  • Previously Unpublished Content: The newly added “Vultures’ Sanctuary” synopsis enriches the collection.
  • Updated Texts: Stories like “The Dead Remember” are now presented using Howard’s final drafts, and “Gunman’s Debt” features a newly added fourth synopsis.
  • Rare Material: Fragments and lesser-known works offer a glimpse into Howard’s creative process and his exploration of the western frontier.

This volume prioritizes authenticity, with texts sourced directly from Howard’s original typescripts, manuscripts, and carbons whenever possible. These materials were drawn from prestigious collections, including the Glenn Lord Collection at the University of Texas, Austin; the Robert E. Howard Collection at Texas A&M University; and the Cross Plains Library.

Cover artist: Mark Wheatley

Contents

  • iii • Acknowledgments
  • ix • Robert E. Howard: Western Pulp Pioneer • essay by James Reasoner

Western Tales

  • 3 • Drums of the Sunset • non-genre • (1928) • novelette by Robert E. Howard
  • 38 • The Lost San Saba Mine • poem by Robert E. Howard
  • 41 • John Ringold • poem by Robert E. Howard
  • 43 • The Extermination of Yellow Donory • (1970) • short story by Robert E. Howard
  • 54 • Old Faro Bill • poem by Robert E. Howard
  • 55 • Modest Bill • poem by Robert E. Howard
  • 61 • The Judgment of the Desert • non-genre • (1973) • novelette by Robert E. Howard
  • 92 • The Sand-Hills’ Crest • poem by Robert E. Howard
  • 95 • Gunman’s Debt • (1974) • novelette by Robert E. Howard
  • 119 • The Devil’s Joker • [The Sonora Kid] • (1975) • short story by Robert E. Howard
  • 129 • The Feud • poem by Robert E. Howard
  • 131 • Knife, Bullet and Noose • [The Sonora Kid] • (1965) • short story by Robert E. Howard
  • 143 • Law-Shooters of Cowtown • [Grizzly Elkins] • (1974) • short story by Robert E. Howard
  • 153 • Wild Water • non-genre • (1975) • novelette by Robert E. Howard
  • 174 • Cowboy • poem by Robert E. Howard
  • 175 • The Last Ride • (1935) • novella by Robert E. Howard and Chandler Whipple [as by Robert Enders Allen and Robert E. Howard]
  • 247 • The Vultures of Wahpeton • non-genre • (1936) • novella by Robert E. Howard
  • 333 • Vultures’ Sanctuary • (1936) • short story by Robert E. Howard
  • 352 • Ace High • poem by Robert E. Howard
  • 353 • The Ballad of Buckshot Roberts • poem by Robert E. Howard
  • 355 • The End of the Glory Trail • poem by Robert E. Howard
  • 356 • The Alamo • poem by Robert E. Howard
  • 357 • San Jacinto (1) • poem by Robert E. Howard
  • 358 • San Jacinto (2) • poem by Robert E. Howard
  • 360 • Ghost Dancers • poem by Robert E. Howard
  • 362 • Intro to the Mexico Set of Poems • editorial note
  • 363 • The Bandit • poem by Robert E. Howard
  • 365 • Farewell, Proud Munster • poem by Robert E. Howard
  • 367 • Over the Old Rio Grandey • poem by Robert E. Howard
  • 368 • The Trail of Gold • poem by Robert E. Howard

The Weird West

Essays

Miscellanea

Juvenilia

Notes

Edited by Rob Roehm and Paul Herman. Cover art by Mark Wheatley. Prepared for publication by Ståle Gismervik – Savage Studios.

Publisher:REH Foundation Press
Year :January 31, 2025
ISBN :978-1-955446-43-3 (Paperback)
978-1-955446-42-6 (Hardcover)
978-1-955446-44-0 (eBook)
Book No. :13
Edition :2.0 Ultimate Edition
Format :Hardcover with dust jacket
Pages :xix plus 627
Cover :Mark Wheatley
Illustrations :None
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Western Tales

The Robert E. Howard Foundation Press proudly presents Western Tales: The Ultimate Edition, an expanded 646-page collection of Robert E. Howard’s traditional and weird western stories, featuring rare fragments, revised texts, and previously unpublished material. Available in hardcover, softcover, and eBook formats, this definitive edition offers a thrilling journey into the untamed frontier through the imagination of one of America’s greatest pulp writers.

Tags: James Reasoner / Mark Wheatley / Paul Herman / Rob Roehm / Robert E. Howard / Ståle Gismervik