The Barbarian swordsmen Book

I'm just going to say it: This is one of the best -- possibly THE best -- heroic S&S anthologies ever gathered, collated, introduced, published, and read.

For me the opening tale by Rosny is the least enthralling and entertaining of the group, but that's like saying the opening ceremonies of the Olympics are the least inspiring bit. Every anthology requires a foundation, and this one kicks off with a terrific introduction which ties directly into the beginning story, which in turn is used to bolster the editor's assertion that it (and its author) are really the start of Heroic Fantasy. What follows are tales by the who's-who of S&S authors: Dunsany, Howard, Moore, Kuttner, Ball, and Lieber. Only names missing far as I can see would be Wagner, Saunders, and Moorcock. Then the anthology closes with the excerpt of a REH letter to HPL in what the editor claims is acknowledgement of the person who influenced REH most: Noyes.

Introduction - longish, but eloquently delivered, containing a definition and history to its date of S&S, followed by in-depth looks at each included author and his/her story. Worth reading.

Rosny & Naoh - okay for what it is, a battle of cavemen for fire. rather staid writing.

Dunsany & Welleran - terrific, slightly purple, prose, flowing across the pages and throughout the tale, mythic and mystical, inspirational and melancholy

Howard & Conan - one of the best Conan tales, when Conan is young and full of life and piss and vinegar and damn good at his game. powerful storytelling.

Howard & Brachan - another demonstration of REH's powerful storytelling, but obviously incomplete as it brings a terrific buildup then fails to deliver. worth reading, but my second least favorite inclusion.

Moore & Jirel - awesome and powerful heroics, quite energizing to read and revel in. I cannot imagine the adrenaline momentum that would be fit to bursting my veins if Brachan hadn't stood betwixt these last two tales!

Kuttner & Elak - grandiose and good fun, both funny and full of vigorous mystery and derring-do.

Ball & Rald - absolute fun, left me giddy with the joy of grand adventure, great heroics, and delightful characters all around. Definitely a highlight!

Lieber & Fafhrd & Gray Mouser - must confess to not being as glamoured, er, enamored with these fellows as most. Many of their stories are filled with far too many winding words, and while there is pleasant humor, getting through and to it often sours me. This tale, however, ranks high among those of theirs I've read and I do deem it a positive addition.

Noyes' influence on REH - well, when the man himself is quoted as saying Noyes is one of his favorites, who are we to deny?

I loved this anthology and sincerely recommend it to any reader of S&S and fantastic heroics.