| It is impossible to ignore the sheer number of boxing stories that Robert E. Howard wrote. Serious or funny, spooky or adventurous, these stories represent a fierce creative outburst that would pave the way later for his western hero, Breckenridge Elkins. In these stories we see Howard's craft pushed from mere construction to passionate involvement. He took all of his interests and peppered them through the various boxing stories. He wrote them faster than the magazine could print them. Clearly, he loved what he was doing. When Howard could write no more, he went on to draft Conan and the aforementioned Elkins, who owes much in style and content to the Costigan stories.
The fight stories are a joy to read and reread. They are funny, bawdy, picaresque, and violent. Presented here, as they were originally printed, they perfectly showcase why Robert E. Howard was one of the greatest adventure writers of the 20th century.
Story list:
Kid Lavigne is Dead
Dula Due to be Champion
The Apparition in the Prize Ring
The Pit of the Serpent
The Bull Dog Breed
Sailors' Grudge
Fist and Fang
The Iron Man
Winner Take All
Waterfront Fists
Champ of the Forecastle
Alleys of Peril
Texas Fists
Circus Fists
Vikings of the Gloves
Night of Battle
The Slugger's Game
General Ironfist
Sluggers on the Beach
Alleys of Darkness
Trade Paperback edition! |
