Conan was a barbarian in the time of the Hyborian Age, in a period which lay between the glory of Atlantis and the recorded history of the modern world. As a youthful adventurer he began his heroic ascent to a position of gigantic stature in the legendary lands of the ancient Eastern Hemisphere of Earth. In this story, at the height of his career, Conan is King of Aquilonia. His enemies, through the use of a strange talismanic jewel known as the Heart of Ahriman, resurrect a sorcerer of renowned powers, Xaltotun. Conan is forced from his kingdom and begins his strenuous campaign to regain his throne. He travels alone through many exotic lands, experiencing a variety of exciting adventures, before he is ready to return to battle his usurper. Under the author's steady guidance, the story never lags, moving swiftly from episode to episode to create a thrilling and powerful science fantasy.

Contents

The Hour of the Dragon (1935)

Printed by Gnome Press in 1950, this was the first collection in which Conan appeared. Re-printed as book 3 in the 12 part series by Lancer/Ace in 1967, though according to L. Spague de Camp's internal series chronology it is book 9.