The newsletter opens with a cover feature about a Christmas card from Robert E. Howard, sent to Clark Ashton Smith on December 30, 1933. It details the publication journey of Howard’s first Conan story, “The Phoenix on the Sword,” emphasizing its origins as a rewrite of an unpublished Kull story, “By This Axe I Rule!” The article explains that the second draft of “The Phoenix on the Sword” incorporated suggestions from Farnsworth Wright, the editor who rejected the first submission due to a lackluster opening and a weak last page. The article mentions that the rejected first draft was eventually published in 2002 in “The Complete Conan of Cimmeria, Vol. One” by Wandering Star, indicating the availability of these typescripts for the interested readers.

The newsletter also references a typed letter from Howard to Novalyne Price (married name Ellis), his sometimes girlfriend, revealing a complicated relationship that involved mutual friend Truett Vinson. The relationship dynamics are described, touching on emotional and social complexities, including Novalyne’s aspirations and Howard’s emotional dependency on his mother.

Additionally, the newsletter describes four poems by Howard: “The Baron and the Wench,” “The Bell of Morni,” “The Bride of Cuchulain,” and “Land of the Pioneer,” noting the first three are typed and the last is handwritten.

Finally, the newsletter announces the upcoming “Howard Days” celebration in Howard’s hometown of Cross Plains, Texas, inviting attendees to honor his legacy.

Contents

•  fc • Christmas card from Robert E. Howard, sent to Clark Ashton Smith on December 30, 1933.
•   2 • “Letter from the Board” – Gain insights from the Foundation’s board members on recent activities and upcoming initiatives – • by Lee A. Breakiron
•   3 • “The Phoenix on the Sword”  – Typescript (first draft): Dive into an original typescript of Howard’s first draft of this intriguing tale, shedding light on his creative process.
• 26 • Notes on Names in The Phoenix on the Sword (typescript).
• 27 • Letter to Novalyne Price from July 9, 1935..
• 28 • “The Baron and the Wench” – verse (typescript) by Robert E. Howard
• 29 • “The Bell of Morni” – verse (typescript) by Robert E. Howard
• 30 • “The Bride of Cuchulain” – verse (typescript) by Robert E. Howard
• 31 • “Land of the Pioneer” – verse (handwritten) by Robert E. Howard
• 35 • News and Events – Robert E. Howard Days 2024

This newsletter is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in the life and works of Robert E. Howard.

Notes:

Prepared for publication by Lee A. Breakiron
Not available for individual sale.
This newsletter was provided to Friends of REH and Legacy Circle members of the Robert E. Howard Foundation.