The Striking of the Gong

Introduction

A very short story ‘The Striking of the Gong’ or ‘The Chiming of the Gong’ as Howard referred to in a letter was presented to Argosy, but didn’t sell.

This existing manuscript remains without a title. In a correspondence from February 1929, Robert E. Howard referred to the tale as “The Chiming of the Gong.” However, in the records of Otis Kline, Howard’s literary agent, the story was named “The Striking of the Gong,” a phrase that also concludes the narrative. Although the piece was not accepted by Argosy, its initial publication was in the 1967 edition of King Kull by Lancer Books. Extensive editing was carried out by Lin Carter.

More information

Gary Romeo has made an excellent blog regarding this story’s history. Read more here.

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