Dive into the thrilling world of Conan the Barbarian, the legendary sword-and-sorcery hero from Robert E. Howard Books. With unmatched strength, cunning, and adventurous spirit, Conan has captivated readers since the 1930s. This guide explores the complete Conan the Barbarian books in order, bringing the Hyborian Age’s epic battles, magic, and timeless adventures vividly to life.
Why Read the Conan the Barbarian Books in Order?
Conan’s tales are a mix of gritty action, vivid world-building, and timeless adventure. Reading the books in publication order allows you to follow the evolution of Howard’s storytelling and Conan’s character, from a raw warrior to a seasoned king. While many stories are standalone, the chronological flow enhances the experience, immersing you in the Hyborian Age’s lore.
This guide focuses on the original Robert E. Howard stories, supplemented by key contributions from other authors like L. Sprague de Camp and Lin Carter, who expanded the series after Howard’s death. We’ll also touch on how to navigate the numerous anthologies and pastiches to ensure you’re reading the core Conan saga.
Conan the Barbarian Books: Complete List in Order of Release Date
Below is a comprehensive table listing all Conan the Barbarian books and stories in their original publication order, focusing on Robert E. Howard’s works and key contributions from other authors (e.g., L. Sprague de Camp, Lin Carter, Björn Nyberg). The table includes short stories published in Weird Tales and later collections or novels, organized by their first release date.
| Title | Author(s) | Release Date | Type | Collection/Novel | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Phoenix on the Sword | Robert E. Howard | December 1932 | Short Story | Weird Tales; Later in The Coming of Conan the Cimmerian (2003) | Conan as king, facing a conspiracy. |
| The Scarlet Citadel | Robert E. Howard | January 1933 | Short Story | Weird Tales; Later in The Coming of Conan the Cimmerian (2003) | Conan battles sorcery and betrayal. |
| The Tower of the Elephant | Robert E. Howard | March 1933 | Short Story | Weird Tales; Later in The Coming of Conan the Cimmerian (2003) | Conan’s early thieving adventure. |
| Black Colossus | Robert E. Howard | June 1933 | Short Story | Weird Tales; Later in The Coming of Conan the Cimmerian (2003) | Conan leads an army against a sorcerer. |
| The Slithering Shadow (Xuthal of the Dusk) | Robert E. Howard | September 1933 | Short Story | Weird Tales; Later in The Coming of Conan the Cimmerian (2003) | Conan encounters a decadent city. |
| The Pool of the Black One | Robert E. Howard | October 1933 | Short Story | Weird Tales; Later in The Coming of Conan the Cimmerian (2003) | Conan’s pirate adventure. |
| Rogues in the House | Robert E. Howard | January 1934 | Short Story | Weird Tales; Later in The Coming of Conan the Cimmerian (2003) | Conan teams up with a nobleman. |
| The Frost-Giant’s Daughter | Robert E. Howard | March 1934 | Short Story | Weird Tales (as “Gods of the North”); Later in The Coming of Conan the Cimmerian (2003) | Early mythological tale. |
| Shadows in the Moonlight (Iron Shadows in the Moon) | Robert E. Howard | April 1934 | Short Story | Weird Tales; Later in The Coming of Conan the Cimmerian (2003) | Conan and a woman flee danger. |
| Queen of the Black Coast | Robert E. Howard | May 1934 | Short Story | Weird Tales; Later in The Coming of Conan the Cimmerian (2003) | Conan’s iconic romance with Bêlit. |
| The Devil in Iron | Robert E. Howard | August 1934 | Short Story | Weird Tales; Later in The Coming of Conan the Cimmerian (2003) | Conan faces a resurrected demon. |
| The People of the Black Circle | Robert E. Howard | September–November 1934 | Novella | Weird Tales; Later in The Bloody Crown of Conan (2004) | Conan battles sorcery in a Himalayan setting. |
| A Witch Shall Be Born | Robert E. Howard | December 1934 | Novella | Weird Tales; Later in The Bloody Crown of Conan (2004) | Conan faces crucifixion and vengeance. |
| Jewels of Gwahlur (The Servants of Bit-Yakin) | Robert E. Howard | March 1935 | Short Story | Weird Tales; Later in The Conquering Sword of Conan (2005) | Conan seeks treasure in a deadly temple. |
| Beyond the Black River | Robert E. Howard | May–June 1935 | Novella | Weird Tales; Later in The Conquering Sword of Conan (2005) | Conan defends a frontier against Picts. |
| Shadows in Zamboula (The Man-Eaters of Zamboula) | Robert E. Howard | November 1935 | Short Story | Weird Tales; Later in The Conquering Sword of Conan (2005) | Conan navigates a city of cannibals. |
| The Hour of the Dragon | Robert E. Howard | December 1935–April 1936 | Novel | Weird Tales; Later in The Bloody Crown of Conan (2004) | Only full-length Conan novel by Howard. |
| Red Nails | Robert E. Howard | July–October 1936 | Novella | Weird Tales; Later in The Conquering Sword of Conan (2005) | Conan’s final Howard story, set in a haunted city. |
| Conan the Conqueror | Robert E. Howard | 1950 | Novel | Gnome Press; Reissue of The Hour of the Dragon | First standalone novel publication. |
| The Return of Conan | Björn Nyberg, L. Sprague de Camp | 1957 | Novel | Gnome Press; Later in Conan the Avenger (1968) | Pastiche novel continuing Conan’s adventures. |
| Conan | Robert E. Howard, L. Sprague de Camp, Lin Carter | 1966 | Anthology | Lancer Books | Mix of Howard stories and pastiches. |
| Conan the Adventurer | Robert E. Howard, L. Sprague de Camp | 1966 | Anthology | Lancer Books | Includes The People of the Black Circle. |
| Conan the Warrior | Robert E. Howard, L. Sprague de Camp | 1967 | Anthology | Lancer Books | Includes Red Nails. |
| Conan the Usurper | Robert E. Howard, L. Sprague de Camp | 1967 | Anthology | Lancer Books | Includes The Phoenix on the Sword. |
| Conan the Conqueror | Robert E. Howard, L. Sprague de Camp | 1967 | Anthology | Lancer Books | Features The Hour of the Dragon. |
| Conan the Avenger | Robert E. Howard, Björn Nyberg, L. Sprague de Camp | 1968 | Anthology | Lancer Books | Includes The Return of Conan. |
| Conan of Cimmeria | Robert E. Howard, L. Sprague de Camp, Lin Carter | 1969 | Anthology | Lancer Books | Includes The Curse of the Monolith. |
| Conan the Freebooter | Robert E. Howard, L. Sprague de Camp | 1968 | Anthology | Lancer Books | Includes Black Colossus. |
| Conan the Wanderer | Robert E. Howard, L. Sprague de Camp, Lin Carter | 1968 | Anthology | Lancer Books | Includes Shadows in the Moonlight. |
| Conan of the Isles | L. Sprague de Camp, Lin Carter | 1968 | Novel | Lancer Books | Pastiche novel of Conan’s later years. |
| Conan the Buccaneer | L. Sprague de Camp, Lin Carter | 1971 | Novel | Lancer Books | Pastiche novel of Conan as a pirate. |
| Conan of Aquilonia | L. Sprague de Camp, Lin Carter | 1977 | Anthology | Prestige Books | Collection of pastiche stories. |
| The Coming of Conan the Cimmerian | Robert E. Howard | 2003 | Anthology | Del Rey Books | Faithful collection of early Howard stories. |
| The Bloody Crown of Conan | Robert E. Howard | 2004 | Anthology | Del Rey Books | Includes The Hour of the Dragon. |
| The Conquering Sword of Conan | Robert E. Howard | 2005 | Anthology | Del Rey Books | Includes Red Nails and Beyond the Black River. |
The Conan the Barbarian Books in Publication Order
Below is the recommended reading order for the Conan stories, starting with Howard’s original works published in Weird Tales magazine and later collected in various anthologies. We’ve included the main collections and standalone novels, noting where other authors contributed.
1. The Coming of Conan the Cimmerian (2003)
- Original Stories by Robert E. Howard (published 1932–1936)
- This collection gathers the earliest Conan stories, showcasing his origins and adventures as a young warrior. Key stories include:
- “The Phoenix on the Sword” (1932): Conan, now king of Aquilonia, faces a deadly conspiracy.
- “The Frost-Giant’s Daughter” (1932): A mythical tale of Conan’s encounter with a supernatural temptress.
- “The Tower of the Elephant” (1933): Conan’s thieving skills are tested in a sorcerer’s tower.
- Why Read It? This volume sets the tone for Conan’s world, blending raw action with Howard’s vivid prose.
2. The Bloody Crown of Conan (2004)
- Original Stories by Robert E. Howard
- This collection features longer, more ambitious tales, including:
- “The People of the Black Circle” (1934): Conan battles sorcery and treachery in a Himalayan-inspired kingdom.
- “The Hour of the Dragon” (1935–1936): The only full-length Conan novel by Howard, where Conan fights to reclaim his throne.
- “A Witch Shall Be Born” (1934): Conan faces crucifixion and betrayal in a tale of vengeance.
- Why Read It? These stories highlight Conan’s growth as a leader and showcase Howard’s knack for epic storytelling.
3. The Conquering Sword of Conan (2005)
- Original Stories by Robert E. Howard
- This final collection of Howard’s works includes:
- “The Servants of Bit-Yakin” (1935): Conan navigates a deadly temple filled with traps and treasure.
- “Beyond the Black River” (1935): A gritty tale of Conan defending a frontier against savage Picts.
- “Red Nails” (1936): Conan’s final adventure in Howard’s canon, set in a haunted city.
- Why Read It? These stories are some of Howard’s finest, blending horror, action, and moral complexity.
4. Conan of Cimmeria (1969, Lancer Books)
- Authors: Robert E. Howard, L. Sprague de Camp, Lin Carter
- This classic anthology includes Howard’s stories like “The Curse of the Monolith” alongside pastiches by de Camp and Carter. It’s part of the influential Lancer series, which popularized Conan in the 1960s and 1970s.
- Why Read It? A mix of Howard’s originals and early expansions, this is a great entry point for fans of the broader Conan mythos.
5. Conan the Adventurer (1966, Lancer Books)
- Authors: Robert E. Howard, L. Sprague de Camp
- Features stories like “The People of the Black Circle” and new tales by de Camp, continuing Conan’s adventures as a wandering mercenary.
- Why Read It? Perfect for readers who want more Conan after Howard’s originals, with a focus on action-packed escapades.
6. Conan the Warrior (1967, Lancer Books)
- Authors: Robert E. Howard, L. Sprague de Camp
- Includes “Red Nails” and other tales of Conan’s battles against monstrous foes and dark sorcery.
- Why Read It? A blend of Howard’s intense storytelling and de Camp’s contributions, ideal for fans of high-stakes combat.
7. Conan the Usurper (1967, Lancer Books)
- Authors: Robert E. Howard, L. Sprague de Camp
- Contains “The Phoenix on the Sword” and the novel “The Hour of the Dragon”, alongside new stories by de Camp.
- Why Read It? This volume focuses on Conan’s rise to power, offering a mix of royal intrigue and barbarian grit.
8. Conan the Conqueror (1967, Lancer Books)
- Authors: Robert E. Howard, L. Sprague de Camp
- Centers on “The Hour of the Dragon”, Howard’s only Conan novel, with additional pastiches.
- Why Read It? A must-read for the novel-length story of Conan’s epic struggle to reclaim his kingdom.
9. Conan the Avenger (1968, Lancer Books)
- Authors: Robert E. Howard, Björn Nyberg, L. Sprague de Camp
- Includes the novel “The Return of Conan” by Nyberg and de Camp, plus Howard’s shorter works.
- Why Read It? A mix of classic and new tales, focusing on Conan’s relentless pursuit of justice.
Chronological vs. Publication Order: Which Is Best?
While the publication order (listed above) is recommended for first-time readers to appreciate Howard’s evolving style, some fans prefer a chronological order based on Conan’s life. The Lancer series (1966–1977) attempted to arrange stories this way, starting with Conan as a young thief and ending as a king. However, this can disrupt the narrative flow, as Howard didn’t write the stories in chronological sequence.
For purists, stick to the Del Rey collections (The Coming of Conan the Cimmerian, The Bloody Crown of Conan, The Conquering Sword of Conan), which preserve Howard’s original texts in publication order. If you enjoy pastiches, the Lancer series adds depth with contributions from de Camp, Carter, and others.
Where to Start with Conan the Barbarian
If you’re new to Conan, begin with The Coming of Conan the Cimmerian. It introduces the character and the Hyborian Age through Howard’s vivid, unfiltered prose. For a shorter taste, try “The Tower of the Elephant”, a concise yet iconic story that captures Conan’s cunning and bravery.
For collectors or fans of vintage paperbacks, the Lancer Books series (1966–1977) is a nostalgic option, though some purists criticize the edits made by de Camp and Carter. Either way, Howard’s raw energy shines through.
Why Conan Endures: The Appeal of the Hyborian Age
Conan’s stories resonate because they blend primal action with rich world-building. The Hyborian Age, a fictional era inspired by ancient history and myth, feels both fantastical and grounded. From the jungles of Kush to the frozen peaks of Cimmeria, Howard’s settings are as vivid as his hero. Conan himself—fierce, independent, and unyielding—embodies a timeless archetype that continues to inspire books, comics, and films.
Tips for Enjoying the Conan Books
- Focus on Howard’s Originals First: His stories are the heart of the series, offering unmatched intensity and atmosphere.
- Explore Pastiches Later: If you love Howard’s work, try the Lancer series for more adventures, but note the shift in tone.
- Check Editions: The Del Rey collections are the most faithful to Howard’s manuscripts, avoiding heavy edits.
- Pair with Comics: The Marvel and Dark Horse Conan comics adapt many stories, offering a visual complement to the books.
- Join the Community: Connect with fans on platforms like X to discuss favorite stories and discover rare editions.
Conclusion: Embark on Conan’s Epic Journey
The Conan the Barbarian series is a cornerstone of fantasy literature, blending swordplay, sorcery, and raw adventure. By reading the books in order, starting with The Coming of Conan the Cimmerian, you’ll experience the full scope of Robert E. Howard’s vision. Whether you’re drawn to Conan’s battles, the Hyborian Age’s lore, or the thrill of discovery, this saga has something for every adventure enthusiast.
Ready to wield a sword alongside Conan? Grab the first book and step into a world of danger and glory. Share your favorite Conan stories or ask for recommendations on X—we’d love to hear your thoughts!
