Uncovering Robert E. Howard’s Hidden Fortune: What Was His Net Worth?
Robert E. Howard, born in Peaster, Texas, on January 22nd, 1906, was a legendary American author who left behind a significant legacy in the fiction genre. Howard is most notably known for his creation of the Conan the Barbarian series, and he is considered to be one of the founding fathers of the sword and sorcery genre. Throughout his career, he produced numerous unforgettable works and put in countless hours. But what was Robert E. Howard’s net worth? Let’s discover the answer in this blog post.
Early Life
Robert E. Howard was a unique and imaginative child. He found solace in reading and writing, and his talent was evident from an early age. By age 15, he had already produced dozens of short stories, which led to his debut publication in the pulp magazine, Weird Tales. Howard’s brother was instrumental in developing the young writer’s career, often paying for his submissions in the beginning.
Career and Work
Robert E. Howard was a prolific writer who produced several well-known series, including Kull of Atlantis, Solomon Kane, and Conan the Barbarian. He was a master of the sword and sorcery genre, creating works that were action-packed, thrilling, and entertaining. Despite his undeniable talent, Howard struggled during his career, often experiencing rejections and financial challenges.
Net Worth
Robert E. Howard’s net worth at the time of his death in 1936 is estimated to have been $2,000, which is equivalent to roughly $38,000 in today’s dollars. However, the writer’s legacy and the value of his work have continued to soar. The Conan the Barbarian series, alone, has sold over 4 million copies in the United States alone, and Howard’s work has been translated into numerous languages worldwide. Today, the influence and popularity of Robert E. Howard’s writing is still strong, making him one of the most iconic and beloved fantasy writers of all time.
How did Robert E. Howard make his fortune?
Robert E. Howard was never extremely wealthy, but he did earn a considerable amount from his writing, even if not as much as he deserved considering its impact on the genre. He was paid by pulp magazines such as Stupendous Stories, Super Science Stories, and the magazine that first published his story “Red Shadows,” Weird Tales which helped fund his career. He also contributed to other publications. However, the true wealth from his writings was unleashed after his untimely death.
What is the worth of Conan the Barbarian franchise today?
Today, the Conan the Barbarian franchise is estimated to be worth over $20 million, which includes revenue from TV shows, movies, comics, and video games. The franchise has become a cultural phenomenon, and the character of Conan is known worldwide. Robert E. Howard’s incredible imagination, story-telling, and character development were the building blocks that built this vast franchise.
What Is Howard’s significance and influence on pop culture?
Howard’s cultural impact has been felt over the decades, with his influence felt in literature, film, comics, and even video games. His creation, Conan the Barbarian, paved the way for future fantasy writers and characters and has become an icon himself. The character of Conan has been portrayed on film by Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jason Momoa, with talk of another Conan project in development. It is safe to say that Howard’s vast influence will continue to be felt in the entertainment industry for years to come.
How Did Robert E. Howard Die?
On June 11, 1936, Robert E. Howard committed suicide by gunshot at the age of 30. Reports suggest that Howard was in anguish over his mother’s deteriorating health. He never saw the success that his work would eventually achieve, though his influence would become legendary.
Conclusion
Robert E. Howard may not have been wealthy during his life, but his legacy has continued to earn sizable sums over the years. His imagination was boundless, and his characters continue to inspire writers and readers today. His works still sell millions of copies, and his influence can be seen across many platforms. As a result, Howard’s net worth continues to grow, even beyond his death. With his incredible contributions to the genre, Robert E. Howard will always be one of the foremost fantasy writers of all time.
FAQs
Q1. What is the net worth of Robert E. Howard?
Howard’s net worth at the time of his death in 1936 was around $2,000, which is equivalent to $38,000 in today’s dollars. However, the value of his work has continued to grow, making him a literary giant.
Q2. How Much Did Robert E. Howard Earn from His Writing?
Robert E. Howard earned varied amounts from his writing, which included submission fees to various pulp magazines such as Weird Tales and Super Science Stories. However, it was not until after his death that his works started to earn considerable amounts.
Q3. Did Robert E. Howard Get Rich from Conan the Barbarian?
Robert E. Howard did not attain huge riches from his works during his lifetime. However, the Conan the Barbarian franchise alone has earned millions and has turned into a cultural phenomenon that continues to perpetuate Howard’s legacy.
Q4. What Is Robert E. Howard’s Significance and Influence on Pop Culture?
Howard was a trailblazer in the sword and sorcery genre and paved the way for future writers to explore the genre in depth. His characters have since become cultural icons, with Conan the Barbarian becoming one of the most recognizable fictional characters of all time.
Q5. Did Robert E. Howard Die Young?
Yes. Howard committed suicide when he was only 30 years old on June 11, 1936, in Cross Plains, Texas.
Q6. What Is the Worth of Conan the Barbarian Franchise Today?
The Conan the Barbarian franchise is valued to be worth over 20 million dollars. This staggering figure is a testament to the enduring popularity of Howard’s work and characters.
Q7. Will Robert E. Howard’s Work Continue to Be Popular in the Future?
Robert E. Howard’s work is timeless, and as such, it is sure to remain popular amongst readers and viewers for years to come. His characters and the world he built will continue to inspire future generations, ensuring that his influence remains significant.
Remembering Robert E. Howard through his works is the best way to appreciate his uniqueness and imagination that helped build sword and sorcery genre. Invest in his books and keep Robert E. Howard’s legacy alive.