tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8679457768571800783.post4914066531287380356..comments2023-09-01T10:14:30.179+01:00Comments on Graeme's Fantasy Book Review: ‘Conan the Barbarian’ – Robert E. Howard (Del Rey/Gollancz)Graeme Floryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15411505049326440010noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8679457768571800783.post-10549508020366290342011-08-06T22:32:46.262+01:002011-08-06T22:32:46.262+01:00I'm somewhat astonished that you consider &quo...I'm somewhat astonished that you consider "The Tower of the Elephant" to be the weakest story here, as I (and a few others) consider it to be one of the very best Conan stories - indeed, I consider it one of Howard's best stories of all. True, the in-narrative action and stakes aren't as high as in other tales, but I felt that the surprises lie in the plot and characterisation - for one thing, the identity of Yag-Kosha being not a monster to be slain, but a prisoner to be pitied and freed. Then you have little snippets like Conan listening into philosophical debates, his awe at "civilized mysteries" and the weirdness that was Conan acting abashed and embarrassed when taunted by the Kothian.<br /><br />But hey, that's the thing with Howard: fans all have their favourites and least favourites.Taranaichhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02176999342965850175noreply@blogger.com