My favorite author of all time,and greatest from my point of view,he was my company often in teen days cause i share similar destiny as he,often bullied,missunderstood,bookish,and i have a huge passion for boxing :) he was main inspiration to me to finally take advantage of my weight and height (now in my 30s im 190cm and 95kg) as a younger dude ,i could rumble about him for eternity Thanks Two Gun Bob,you saved a poor soul...
Very interesting interview, another perspective. Howard was described as "strange, odd and a loner who loved to read." He was in many respects self taught. He had a hell of an imagination and put it down on paper. Just like all of us a product of his time and place and unique sensibilities. But unlike most of us he was an artist and kind of a genius really. I loved his stories and read most of them in the sixties. The fact that he wrote and lived back there in Texas in those days is amazing to me. Things have changed so drastically today it seems like we missed a chance for something....I don't know what. Life is bittersweet and tragic.
I've started to get into REH stories from about 2 weeks ago. I feel so bad that he died because from what I've read he was such a natural when it came to writing. Thanks for the vid.
"Felt like crying." I understand that entirely because when I read that he had killed himself, I was moved to sorrow. Particularly so because I would not get to meet and talk with him. Especially because I had grown to love his body of literature🤔📚📖🤔😞
amazing tour, such a strong emotion for me. I read Howard since my childhood, he was a precious company of mine. I was often left alone. Howard's novels filled my hours. One of my dreams is to go to visit his place. He was a special person who gave us beautiful fantasies of a better life. thanks, man.
It wasn't until I was 32 that i discovered the real Robert E. Howard stories.. my wife and I were homeless at the time, living in our vehicles. Howard's Hyboria became my home and my only escape. After the work day I went to Hyboria... Those times are over and I'm doing great now but the impact of Howard and the inspiration he has given me still gets stronger as time goes on.
I live only a hours drive from his home, I try to make it by at least once a year to sit, read a few pages from one his stories outside and pay my respects. His work was a great influence in my life.
Thank you so much for this amazing footage.I live in Great Britain,and have always been a huge reader and admirer of REH.Like many,I was fascinated by the man,as well as being completely absorbed into his amazing stories.Robert wrote in a very natural,non self conscious way,which is a rare thing.Such invention and such a gift.Amazing to see this!
I too live in the U.K and have loved Howard's work since I was a teenager of 15. The first Conan story I ever read was Frost Giants Daughter. I think the joy of the Conan stories was the poetic prose style, colourful description and the sheer magic with which Howard imbued his tales. I am 60 years old now and still get a thrill when I reread one of Howard's stories. Incidentally my favourite story is Red Nails. What's yours?🤔📖📚😊
Being a huge Howard fan for the last 35 years, since I was a teenager, I can't tell you how much I enjoyed this insighful post. And Mr. Norris Chambers seems like such a gentleman. I visited The Robert E. Howard house about 5 years ago and I felt like I was there again. Thank you very much for posting.
Thank you to Mr Chambers for sharing his memories with us and for Leo and the museum for generously showing us through. A truly inspirational and generous bloke.
Great video! In 2000, Billie Ruth Loving arranged a guided tour of the house for me. I believe she was a former student of Novalyne Price (Howard's one-time girlfriend) at Cross Plains High. She was also a consultant on the film "The Whole Wide World". She was such a great guide and walked me through every room while telling me story after story about the Howard family and the house. An unforgettable experience. RIP Billie Ruth.
I've been reading REH since the late 80s. For a loner and avid reader, he could be neighborly whenever he chose, even though he was a busy full-time writer. Just in what direction his writing career might have taken him is open to speculation, as it only lasted 12 years up until he shot himself on June 11, 1936--86 years ago this month. RIP, Mr. Howard--you're truly one of my favourite writers! ☺📚
I turned 31 this year. I'd like to be a writer when I grow up, but since Howard did more in his lifetime than I have, it seems prettly slim. Still, I think Howard was one of the great American Prosaic writers. I love pulp and I would never put it down, but I think Howard was always sold short by that label. Anyway, thanks for the Video. I recently re-read Blood and Thunder, and that's a great book. And this video compliments it well. RIP Howard. Shine on you Crazy Diamond.
Last time I checked,I was still alive,and knew Bob when he was a SSG at FOB-2. One of the absolutely nicest men you could even hope to meet as long as you did your duty to the best of your ability. If you didn't,you needed to find some place to hide until your orders came to fly out of Kontum. Bob had no patience for slackers.
Great little interview. I especially liked the comment that REH spoke a little differently than ordinary people (in Texas?). I assume he meant using bigger, perhaps more archaic words and longer sentences. Good stuff to know. Thanks.
This is a wonderful video. You know, some 40 years ago people in Cross Plains didn't even know who Bob Howard was. If you tried to find the Howard house, people there didn't know who you were talking about.. Fortunateley things have changed meanwhile. Now, this video is wonderful work. Thanks für sharing!
This video is a sublime masterpiece, Warriorphotog36, and Norris Chambers, a priceless reservoir of knowledge. Living history! I await your completed Robert E. Howard documentary with bated breath, by Crom! Thank you.
What a treasure this video is. Personal accounts of history are the best. I am so excited to have found this. Mr. Howard is a fascinating character and you have done a wonderful job capturing a bit of life and bottling it in video form. Kudos
Thank you so much for this! This is fantastic. It's a gem of Howard lore. It's moving to see someone who knew him talking about him. I have tears in my eyes.
@threeicys Thanks so much! Just capturing a little bit of what Bob was like made the work on this video all worthwhile. I wish I could have started getting first hand accounts when some of the people who knew Bob really well were still alive. Ah well. At least us Howard fans have this one. Thanks again! Please watch the other informative videos on Howard and his work on this same youtube channel. Would love to hear what you think!
Yes you do! You need to come the weekend closest to June 11th. That's the annual Barbarian Festival where they have all sorts of symposiums and events based around REH. Can't recommend it enough.
Very glad you enjoyed it! I believe Norris is still alive. That was the last time I saw him though. He doesn't get out and about as much as he used to, but he is pretty quick with email. Very technologically savvy. I think he even has a blog. I think much of Howard's manicness was a pose. All of those pictures are him posing. Nothing taken off the cuff of him in a natural way. He had an image he liked to convey. He was probably bipolar, but that is as "deranged" as he got.
This is truly an amazing video; how incredible it was to find anyone who knew Howard, especially one who had such a close association with him. You mentioned in a comment that Norris emails and even has a blog, would you happen to know what it is?
@10542011 Thanks for the kind words. Glad you enjoyed it. I never got to meet Billie Ruth but I have heard quite a bit about her. Sounds like an amazing lady. Stay tuned - I hope to have some teases for the somewhat finished doc sometime this year!
Glad you enjoyed! Slowly cracking away at a feature length Howard Doc. I will keep everyone updated. How did you find this? Have you watched the Cimmerian Version 2?
@DrewsAnimation Thank you much! I feel pretty fortunate to have met and followed Mr. Chambers around for the morning. How did you come about finding my video?
@warriorphotog36 My interest in Howard started with the Kull and Conan comics back in 1971. About a year or two later I started going to the Collector's Bookstore on Hollywood Blvd in Hollywood and I started buying the Lancer Conan's. Soon after I began to look for hardback books by Howard. It's taken me many years and I've just about completed my collection of Howard first editions. The only first I'm missing is the Jenkin's A Gent From Bear Creek. Unlikely I'll ever get it, tho!
@Giraut Thanks so much for the kudos! I am still slowly working at my neverending doc. I will post more teasers and such as I get more done. I'm just happy to have met Norris and get to talk with someone who actually talked with Bob.
@chaddvanzanten Thanks! 'Preciate it! I have been working on a Howard documentary for three or four years now, and finally decided to post what I have done, bit by bit. Wanted to share all I could with my fellow Howard Heads. Glad you enjoyed!
@shavedchimpanzee Thanks for the compliments! I do feel pretty lucky that I was able to meet and shoot the one living person that knew Howard fairly well. I am touched that it effected you so much. My intention is to share all I have shot at the Howard Day's festival in Cross Plains. Since I live only three hours away, I consider myself lucky to have easy access to Bob's old stomping grounds.
@warriorphotog36 I have that book too. Thanks for the offer, tho. I know what you mean. That's why I bought most of the books when I was single and when I could scrape up the funds. And also why It took me about 35 years to complete it. That's about an average of one and a half books per year. Good talking to you.
A good question. I don't know about ancient spirits, but from what I understand about Howard, he seemed to have had an interest in mysticism and reincarnation. So while he may not have been influenced by spirits, as such, his own interests would have deeply influenced his work, and lead to speculation by other people!
@joelombrdo Thanks! I appreciate the feedback! I am trying to slowly piece together a Howard documentary and this is one of the elements. It's pretty slow going and I have no idea when I will be done. But judging from the feedback I have so far, I think I am working on something that lots of folks are interested in. I will keep everyone here up to date on how it goes. How did you get introduced to Howard? If you can watch my Cimmeria, Version 2, I would love to get feedback on it as well.
@Giraut Hey there! Thanks for the comment! Yeah, EVERYONE knows him there now, or at least of the festival in his honor. Most of the townsfolks really don't care anything about him, and a handful think he wrote Satanic stories and shouldn't be celebrated at all. But most have no opinion on him and only go to the car show/carnival aspect of the Barbarian festival. How were you introduced to Howard and have you ever been to the House?
@warriorphotog36 I've been doing research on Howard and his books. I'm writing a novella set in the start of the Iron age, and I thought he would be a good place to start for inspiration.
Robert E. Howard was obviously a man of immense intellect. And, as such, he'd have very little interest in those around him, unfortunately. I man, as described in this short, would likely have enjoyed the company of those he did find interesting, mild, and copacetic. but only in short spurts, as the imagination of an intellect, when even your own, is so much more interesting.
Further than that, she would never wake up. He already has a fear of growing old, I can only imagine the reality of his mothers state pushed him to the point of suicide. Very sad.
@joelombrdo Ah, I'm a collector too, but really most of it are the new editions coming out by Del Rey and some of the older paperbacks. Can't afford much else. But I do have a Donald Grant first edition of Post Oaks and Sand Roughs that I would like to sell if you are interested. It's in fine condition. Let me know if you are interested.
helium73 actually, according to Novalyne Price Ellis, who befriended and dated Howard, and author of One Who Walked Alone - which would form the basis of the film The Whole Wide World, the portrayal of REH in the film was quite accurate. Outside of Robert’s mother. Ms. Price most likely knew Howard better than most.
My guess is that he was a foster system care child, before there was a any foster care system. As much as i like these type of characters i dont like them that much. Like myself he liked to be strong, and that comes with a price, I cant fight for sh*t because i never learnt to...
My favorite author of all time,and greatest from my point of view,he was my company often in teen days cause i share similar destiny as he,often bullied,missunderstood,bookish,and i have a huge passion for boxing :) he was main inspiration to me to finally take advantage of my weight and height (now in my 30s im 190cm and 95kg) as a younger dude ,i could rumble about him for eternity
Thanks Two Gun Bob,you saved a poor soul...
Very interesting interview, another perspective. Howard was described as "strange, odd and a loner who loved to read." He was in many respects self taught. He had a hell of an imagination and put it down on paper. Just like all of us a product of his time and place and unique sensibilities. But unlike most of us he was an artist and kind of a genius really. I loved his stories and read most of them in the sixties. The fact that he wrote and lived back there in Texas in those days is amazing to me. Things have changed so drastically today it seems like we missed a chance for something....I don't know what. Life is bittersweet and tragic.
Yes, Life is indeed that. Love the Lon Chaney Sr. image for your profile :) He's one of my favorite actors.
Yes sir, very well put.✌
Bob was a very sociable guy if he knew and respected you. If he didn't know you,he was quiet.
I've started to get into REH stories from about 2 weeks ago. I feel so bad that he died because from what I've read he was such a natural when it came to writing. Thanks for the vid.
I've been to the Howard house once. Three hours went by like five minutes. I hope I get to go back someday.
Claude Parish It was a warm afternoon rain when I entered Cross Plaines. Got wet, worth every drop.
I enjoyed my tour a few years ago. I hope to go back for Barbarian Days.
Love his poetry, when I saw the typewriter, I felt like crying...
I do wonder also, what would have been of him had he lived longer.
"Felt like crying." I understand that entirely because when I read that he had killed himself, I was moved to sorrow. Particularly so because I would not get to meet and talk with him. Especially because I had grown to love his body of literature🤔📚📖🤔😞
While everyone talks about people like Tolkien, not enough attention seems to be given to Robert for his contributions.
amazing tour, such a strong emotion for me. I read Howard since my childhood, he was a precious company of mine. I was often left alone. Howard's novels filled my hours. One of my dreams is to go to visit his place. He was a special person who gave us beautiful fantasies of a better life. thanks, man.
So glad I could put something together that was so touching for you.
It wasn't until I was 32 that i discovered the real Robert E. Howard stories.. my wife and I were homeless at the time, living in our vehicles. Howard's Hyboria became my home and my only escape. After the work day I went to Hyboria... Those times are over and I'm doing great now but the impact of Howard and the inspiration he has given me still gets stronger as time goes on.
I live only a hours drive from his home, I try to make it by at least once a year to sit, read a few pages from one his stories outside and pay my respects. His work was a great influence in my life.
I went to this house back in 2015. Went through a lot of mixed emotions when I was there.
Well, my wife's name showed up for some reason, supposed to be Jessie R. Smith Jr.
Love you Two Gun Bob. Always.
Thank you so much for this amazing footage.I live in Great Britain,and have always been a huge reader and admirer of REH.Like many,I was fascinated by the man,as well as being completely absorbed into his amazing stories.Robert wrote in a very natural,non self conscious way,which is a rare thing.Such invention and such a gift.Amazing to see this!
Very glad you enjoyed! Hope you can visit Texas and Howard Days one day!
I too live in the U.K and have loved Howard's work since I was a teenager of 15. The first Conan story I ever read was Frost Giants Daughter. I think the joy of the Conan stories was the poetic prose style, colourful description and the sheer magic with which Howard imbued his tales. I am 60 years old now and still get a thrill when I reread one of Howard's stories. Incidentally my favourite story is Red Nails. What's yours?🤔📖📚😊
Being a huge Howard fan for the last 35 years, since I was a teenager, I can't tell you how much I enjoyed this insighful post. And Mr. Norris Chambers seems like such a gentleman. I visited The Robert E. Howard house about 5 years ago and I felt like I was there again. Thank you very much for posting.
Thank you to Mr Chambers for sharing his memories with us and for Leo and the museum for generously showing us through. A truly inspirational and generous bloke.
Great video! In 2000, Billie Ruth Loving arranged a guided tour of the house for me. I believe she was a former student of Novalyne Price (Howard's one-time girlfriend) at Cross Plains High. She was also a consultant on the film "The Whole Wide World". She was such a great guide and walked me through every room while telling me story after story about the Howard family and the house. An unforgettable experience. RIP Billie Ruth.
I've been reading REH since the late 80s. For a loner and avid reader, he could be neighborly whenever he chose, even though he was a busy full-time writer.
Just in what direction his writing career might have taken him is open to speculation, as it only lasted 12 years up until he shot himself on June 11, 1936--86 years ago this month. RIP, Mr. Howard--you're truly one of my favourite writers! ☺📚
Thank you Mr. Howard for your great vision and fantastic stories. ✌
I turned 31 this year. I'd like to be a writer when I grow up, but since Howard did more in his lifetime than I have, it seems prettly slim. Still, I think Howard was one of the great American Prosaic writers. I love pulp and I would never put it down, but I think Howard was always sold short by that label.
Anyway, thanks for the Video. I recently re-read Blood and Thunder, and that's a great book. And this video compliments it well. RIP Howard. Shine on you Crazy Diamond.
Last time I checked,I was still alive,and knew Bob when he was a SSG at FOB-2. One of the absolutely nicest men you could even hope to meet as long as you did your duty to the best of your ability. If you didn't,you needed to find some place to hide until your orders came to fly out of Kontum. Bob had no patience for slackers.
Thank you so much and God bless you, Mr. Chambers...
I'm a life long Howard fan. Thanks for sharing that was great.
Great little interview. I especially liked the comment that REH spoke a little differently than ordinary people (in Texas?). I assume he meant using bigger, perhaps more archaic words and longer sentences. Good stuff to know. Thanks.
Glad you enjoyed!
His renowned creations are, of course, fascinating; but I could read his grocery lists. I just love the _way_ he wrote.
Amazing thanks for posting
I Love Robert E. Howard and H.P Lovecraft
Thank you for this man!!! And congratulations...!!!
Thanks for doing this interview!
Thanks for this interesting insight into the life of REH.
Thank you very much, I really enjoyed hearing this gentleman's memories of one of my favorite authors.
This is a wonderful video.
You know, some 40 years ago people in Cross Plains didn't even know who Bob Howard was. If you tried to find the Howard house, people there didn't know who you were talking about..
Fortunateley things have changed meanwhile.
Now, this video is wonderful work. Thanks für sharing!
hope people see wonderful film "The Whole Wide World" terrific film with R. Zellweger --get the DVD
Mr. Friberg, Mr. Grin--Thank you for this unique glimpse into history.
THIS IS SO GREAT
Wow very interesting document; compliments and greetings from North Italy
He is a hero of mine.
Glad you could fulfill your desire to be a writer Sir.
This video is a sublime masterpiece, Warriorphotog36, and Norris Chambers, a priceless reservoir of knowledge. Living history! I await your completed Robert E. Howard documentary with bated breath, by Crom! Thank you.
What a treasure this video is. Personal accounts of history are the best. I am so excited to have found this. Mr. Howard is a fascinating character and you have done a wonderful job capturing a bit of life and bottling it in video form. Kudos
This is awesome! Thanks for sharing it. I've been a huge REH fan since 1981.
I just ordered The Complete Chronicles of Conan. I can't wait.
Thank you so much for this! This is fantastic. It's a gem of Howard lore. It's moving to see someone who knew him talking about him. I have tears in my eyes.
This is outstanding, both in the content and production values. Great vid.
Thank you for this.
Thank you for sharing that.
@threeicys Thanks so much! Just capturing a little bit of what Bob was like made the work on this video all worthwhile. I wish I could have started getting first hand accounts when some of the people who knew Bob really well were still alive. Ah well. At least us Howard fans have this one. Thanks again! Please watch the other informative videos on Howard and his work on this same youtube channel. Would love to hear what you think!
Thank you Robert E Howard for making my youth less shite than it otherwise would have been.
Yes you do! You need to come the weekend closest to June 11th. That's the annual Barbarian Festival where they have all sorts of symposiums and events based around REH. Can't recommend it enough.
Damn shame that he ended his life. Howard has always been my favorite author.
Very glad you enjoyed it! I believe Norris is still alive. That was the last time I saw him though. He doesn't get out and about as much as he used to, but he is pretty quick with email. Very technologically savvy. I think he even has a blog.
I think much of Howard's manicness was a pose. All of those pictures are him posing. Nothing taken off the cuff of him in a natural way. He had an image he liked to convey. He was probably bipolar, but that is as "deranged" as he got.
Happy birthday to REH
This is truly an amazing video; how incredible it was to find anyone who knew Howard, especially one who had such a close association with him.
You mentioned in a comment that Norris emails and even has a blog, would you happen to know what it is?
Thanks for the video.
@10542011
Thanks for the kind words. Glad you enjoyed it. I never got to meet Billie Ruth but I have heard quite a bit about her. Sounds like an amazing lady. Stay tuned - I hope to have some teases for the somewhat finished doc sometime this year!
Glad you enjoyed! Slowly cracking away at a feature length Howard Doc. I will keep everyone updated. How did you find this? Have you watched the Cimmerian Version 2?
@DrewsAnimation
Thank you much! I feel pretty fortunate to have met and followed Mr. Chambers around for the morning. How did you come about finding my video?
@warriorphotog36 My interest in Howard started with the Kull and Conan comics back in 1971. About a year or two later I started going to the Collector's Bookstore on Hollywood Blvd in Hollywood and I started buying the Lancer Conan's. Soon after I began to look for hardback books by Howard. It's taken me many years and I've just about completed my collection of Howard first editions. The only first I'm missing is the Jenkin's A Gent From Bear Creek. Unlikely I'll ever get it, tho!
Very cool video!
@Giraut
Thanks so much for the kudos! I am still slowly working at my neverending doc. I will post more teasers and such as I get more done. I'm just happy to have met Norris and get to talk with someone who actually talked with Bob.
I would love to hear his thoughts on how he thinks Robert would have felt about the popularity of Conan and the movies.
@chaddvanzanten
Thanks! 'Preciate it! I have been working on a Howard documentary for three or four years now, and finally decided to post what I have done, bit by bit. Wanted to share all I could with my fellow Howard Heads. Glad you enjoyed!
@shavedchimpanzee
Thanks for the compliments! I do feel pretty lucky that I was able to meet and shoot the one living person that knew Howard fairly well. I am touched that it effected you so much. My intention is to share all I have shot at the Howard Day's festival in Cross Plains. Since I live only three hours away, I consider myself lucky to have easy access to Bob's old stomping grounds.
@warriorphotog36 I have that book too. Thanks for the offer, tho. I know what you mean. That's why I bought most of the books when I was single and when I could scrape up the funds. And also why It took me about 35 years to complete it. That's about an average of one and a half books per year. Good talking to you.
This may sound a little crazy! But could Robert E Howard been influenced by ancient spirits?
A good question. I don't know about ancient spirits, but from what I understand about Howard, he seemed to have had an interest in mysticism and reincarnation. So while he may not have been influenced by spirits, as such, his own interests would have deeply influenced his work, and lead to speculation by other people!
By fallen angels? Surely, if he was dabbling in the occult and mysticism.
@joelombrdo
Thanks! I appreciate the feedback! I am trying to slowly piece together a Howard documentary and this is one of the elements. It's pretty slow going and I have no idea when I will be done. But judging from the feedback I have so far, I think I am working on something that lots of folks are interested in. I will keep everyone here up to date on how it goes. How did you get introduced to Howard? If you can watch my Cimmeria, Version 2, I would love to get feedback on it as well.
Very cool. I live about three hours from here. Have you been to the house or Howard Days?
@Giraut
Hey there! Thanks for the comment! Yeah, EVERYONE knows him there now, or at least of the festival in his honor. Most of the townsfolks really don't care anything about him, and a handful think he wrote Satanic stories and shouldn't be celebrated at all. But most have no opinion on him and only go to the car show/carnival aspect of the Barbarian festival. How were you introduced to Howard and have you ever been to the House?
@warriorphotog36
I've been doing research on Howard and his books. I'm writing a novella set in the start of the Iron age, and I thought he would be a good place to start for inspiration.
tarzan-conan connection!
The original He-Man
I am curious to know did Mr Howard possess a book called PRE-ADAMITE MAN by the author Pascual Beverly Randolph?
Probably not.
Some writers tend to be introverted and reserved.
Great! Crom protect You! 😉
@anatamaji
You and Howard were cousins? Very cool. How are you related and what type of stories have you heard? Do you live in Texas?
🤘💯💜
He died 6 years after this video :(
Robert E. Howard was obviously a man of immense intellect. And, as such, he'd have very little interest in those around him, unfortunately. I man, as described in this short, would likely have enjoyed the company of those he did find interesting, mild, and copacetic. but only in short spurts, as the imagination of an intellect, when even your own, is so much more interesting.
I read that he committed suicide because his mother was very sick, could you expand on this?
Further than that, she would never wake up. He already has a fear of growing old, I can only imagine the reality of his mothers state pushed him to the point of suicide. Very sad.
@joelombrdo Ah, I'm a collector too, but really most of it are the new editions coming out by Del Rey and some of the older paperbacks. Can't afford much else. But I do have a Donald Grant first edition of Post Oaks and Sand Roughs that I would like to sell if you are interested. It's in fine condition. Let me know if you are interested.
"He didn't talk like a country person." So I guess that's one mistake they made in that movie "The Whole Wide World."
helium73 actually, according to Novalyne Price Ellis, who befriended and dated Howard, and author of One Who Walked Alone - which would form the basis of the film The Whole Wide World, the portrayal of REH in the film was quite accurate. Outside of Robert’s mother. Ms. Price most likely knew Howard better than most.
He looks like a beefer Harrison Ford. Or Harrison Ford looks like a scrawny version of Robert E Howard...
OOPS! Sorry! Wrong Bob Howard.
My guess is that he was a foster system care child, before there was a any foster care system. As much as i like these type of characters i dont like them that much. Like myself he liked to be strong, and that comes with a price, I cant fight for sh*t because i never learnt to...
I'm great of Roberty, sadly US has changed in a bad way since then.
Why don't am grammar work?
Huh? I knew him,and I'm still alive. LOTS of people that knew him are still alive.
OOOPS! Wrong Robert Howard. Sorry.