In the early 2000s, publisher Wandering Star sought to produce the most luxurious and definitive editions of the works of Robert E. Howard.

From the dust jacket: "Presented here are 7 stories illuminated by Frank Frazetta's powerful sketches and drawings that examines the theme of barbaric life. Some versions are published here for the first time." Plus 59 pages of appendices.

From the publisher: "Featuring 120 line illustrations by Frazetta, many previously unpublished. Stories featured are Beyond the Black River, The House of Arabu, Spears of Clontarf, The Night of the Wolf, Spear and Fang, The Valley of the Worm, and Lord of Samarcand, plus poems and letters."

The texts for this edition were based on Howard's original typescripts or the first published appearance if a typescript was unavailable.

30-45% of the 120 Frazetta sketches are previously unpublished.

Contents

"Artist's Forward" by Frank Frazetta
"Introduction" by Rusty Burke
"Beyond the Black River" (Conan)
"The House of Arabu"
"Spears of Clontarf"
"The Night of the Wolf" (Cormac Mac Art)
"Spear and Fang" (REH's first published story)
"The Valley of the Worm" (adapted as "Bloodstar")
"Lord of Samarcand"
"A Word from the Outer Dark" (poem)
"A Song of the Naked Lands" (poem)
"An Echo from the Iron Harp" (poem)
"Viking's Trail" (poem)
"The Song of the Last Briton" (poem)

Appendices

"Barbarism vs. Civilization" - letters to H.P. Lovecraft
Chronology
"Waiting for the Barbarians" by Patrice Louinet
"The Power of Passion" by Dr. David Winiewicz
Notes on the original Howard text

Notes

Edited by Rusty Burke
Design by Marcelo Anciano
Typography by Stuart Williams

The texts for this edition were based on Howard's original typescripts or the first published appearance if a typescript was unavailable.

"The House of Arabu" is restored text.

"An Echo from the Iron Harp" is a later version never before published.

Trade Edition: The Classic Edition features over 120 black and white illustrations by legendary Frank Frazetta in a sturdy clothbound hardcover binding.