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The Selected Letters of Novalyne Price Ellis

2024

Material type

Publication date: June 2024

Introduction

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 These letters are more than historical documents; they are windows into the soul of a woman who walked alongside one of the greatest storytellers of the 20th century.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.

Notes

Compiled and edited by Bobby Derie
Limited Edition of 200 copies.
First distributed at Robert E. Howard Days, June 2024.

More by Bobby Derie

Edition and production details

Language: English

Format: Paperback (6 x 9 inches, perfect bound)
Publication date: June 2024
Pages: 114 (including front and back covers)
Publisher / imprint: Robert Derie
Cover art: Bill Cavalier
Illustrations: Photos and scans of newspaper clippings

1 linked Howard work

To a Woman (2, "Though fathoms deep . . .")verse

34 contents entries

The following letters all appear in the final chapter of the book, Her Letters to Robert E. Howard: Novalyne Price
To Novalyne Price, September 27, 1934, "How about going to the show . . ."
"To A Woman" (2, poem)
To Novalyne Price, February 14, 1936, " I heard yesterday you had . . ." (excerpt only)
To Novalyne Price, February 15, 1936, "I’m sorry but I won’t be able . . ." (excerpt only)
To Novalyne Price, March 5, 1936, "I just now read the letter . . ."
To Novalyne Price, May 27, 1936, "You needn’t have bothered . . ."
To Novalyne Price, postmarked June 20, 1935, "Dear Novalyne . . . cordially . . ." This is a handwritten postcard. The front of the postcard is a photograph of a snake swallowing a rabbit.
To Novalyne Price, postmarked June 19, 1935, "The weather is good . . ." This is a handwritten postcard.
Other Contents
"Introduction" by Bobby Derie
"Novalyne Price Ellis (1908-1999)" by Rusty Burke
The Letters of Novalyne Price Ellis
To Santa Claus, mid-December 1934
To Robert E. Howard, 12 July 1934
To L. Sprague de Camp, 20 August 1977
To Jonathan Bacon, 29 November 1977
To L. Sprague and Catherine de Camp, 8 June 1978
To L. Sprague de Camp, 26 July 1978
To L. Sprague de Camp, 5 August 1979
To Glenn Lord, 31 July 1986
To Bill Cavalier, 20 October 1986
To Thomas W. Collins, 10 November 1988
To Bill Cavalier, 4 April 1990
To Rusty Burke, 16 November 1990
To Bill Cavalier, 23 April 1991
To Fantasia, Fall 1991
To The Daily Advertiser (Lafayette, LA), 11 April 1992
"Small World" by James Reasoner
Her Letters to Robert E. Howard: Novalyne Price
Introduction • essay by Bobby Derie v · introduction
Novalyne Price Ellis (1908-1999) • essay by Rusty Burke 1 · essay
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 9
Small World • essay by James Reasoner 81 · essay

Contributors

Bill Cavalier: Cover artist
Photos and scans of newspaper clippings: Illustrator
Robert Derie: Editor

Additional related terms

Preserved from the former REH World tagging system; these terms have not yet been assigned as contributors, characters or subjects.

Bill “Indy” Cavalier James Reasoner Robert E. Howard Rusty Burke