A Touch of Trivia

Introduction

“A Touch of Trivia” is an essay by Robert E. Howard that provides a candid and somewhat whimsical reflection on his personal influences, interests, and the expansive scope of his historical knowledge. Written with Howard’s characteristic flair for the dramatic and the personal, the essay explores the myriad ways his readings and personal experiences have shaped his perspective on history and storytelling.

Howard’s essay is both a personal reflection on the influences that shaped his character and interests and an exposition of his idiosyncratic approach to historical study, marked by a preference for the dramatic, the personal, and the emotively resonant over the conventionally academic.

Summary

In “A Touch of Trivia,” Robert E. Howard begins by humorously acknowledging future biographers who might find his ramblings of some use, despite the trivial nature of the content. He expresses a concern about less understanding readers misinterpreting his words while he is still alive, given his self-described choleric temper.

Howard discusses his writing style, attributing its archaic flavor to extensive reading of medieval literature. He jests about his inability to sell stories to certain publications, attributing it to their preference for less stylistic complexity.

He declares his writings are sporadic and not in any sequence, reflecting his broad but non-specialist knowledge of many subjects. Howard critiques the educational system of his time, which he felt focused too much on rote learning rather than genuine understanding.

The essay shifts to Howard’s historical interests, where he confidently talks about his knowledge of prominent historical figures and events, albeit admitting his poor recall of specific dates. His engagement with history is personal and emotional rather than academic, expressing a strong identification with historical narratives that resonate with his sense of identity and ancestral connections.

Howard reflects on his childhood during the onset of World War I, detailing his early support for the Allies, influenced by his sympathies for Ireland and France, despite his general disdain for England. This personal anecdote highlights his early and enduring engagement with historical and political matters.

The essay also delves into Howard’s disinterest in certain historical periods and regions, like post-Ptolemaic Egypt and modern Chinese history, while expressing a deep fascination with ancient civilizations, the medieval period, and particularly with the histories that intersect with the heritage of the British Isles.

Throughout the essay, Howard’s narrative is interspersed with personal anecdotes and reflections that reveal his values, such as his disdain for oppressors and his deep-rooted loyalty to figures like the Stuarts, despite recognizing their flaws.

Persons and characters involved

  • Robert E. Howard – The author and narrator of the essay, exploring his personal influences and interests in history.
  • Captain Kidd, Blackbeard, Morgan – Historical pirates who initially inspired Howard’s childhood ambitions.
  • Unnamed Author – Wrote a book on piracy that influenced Howard to reconsider his aspirations towards piracy.
  • Abraham Lincoln – Cited by Howard as sharing a similar reverence for the influence of parents.
  • Historical figures mentioned (various) – Serve to illustrate Howard’s broad knowledge of history and his emotional connection to historical narratives.

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