It’s been 90 years today since the death of Robert E. Howard, one of the greatest fantasy authors who ever lived. Long ignored by scholars, his fiction is esteemed more than ever now that we’re finally appreciating its depth and artistry. Howard had much to say about the rise and fall of civilization, as well as the underlying nature of humanity that persists despite the circumstances and fashions of the hour.

His fans admire Howard’s vision of the lone hero who fights honorably in a world that often disdains honor, nobility, or courage. It takes courage to open one’s eyes to the world as it is and dare to live well. He affirms that stance in one of Conan the Barbarian’s most famous speeches:

“I seek not beyond death. It may be the blackness averred by the Nemedian skeptics, or Crom’s realm of ice and cloud, or the snowy plains and vaulted halls of the Nordheimer’s Valhalla. I know not, nor do I care. Let me live deep while I live; let me know the rich juices of red meat and stinging wine on my palate, the hot embrace of white arms, the mad exultation of battle when the blue blades flame and crimson, and I am content. “

Let’s raise a tankard of cheap wine to his memory.