Robert Ervin Howard (1906–1936) was a seminal figure in the genre of sword and sorcery, best known for his character Conan the Barbarian. Born in Peaster, Texas, Howard spent most of his life in the small town of Cross Plains. Despite his short life, he was a prolific writer, contributing to the burgeoning pulp magazines of the early 20th century. Howard's creation of Conan, featured in works like 'Rogues in the House,' published in Weird Tales in 1934, cemented his influence in the field of fantasy literature. His storytelling, characterized by its vividness, swift pacing, and dark themes, spoke to the escapism sought by readers during the interwar period. Howard's work often explored themes of civilization versus barbarism and the inherent corruption within power structures, which Conan frequently encounters and combats. Although Howard's life was tragically cut short by suicide at the age of 30, his work has lived on. It has inspired a multitude of adaptations in film, television, and other media, contributing to the endurance of sword and sorcery fantasy as a beloved literary genre. Howard's oeuvre includes other notable characters such as Solomon Kane and Kull of Atlantis, each adding to his legacy as a pioneer of modern fantasy and adventure storytelling.