The Hour of the Dragon

About the book

Enemies of Aquilonia summon the ancient sorcerer Xaltotun to help overthrow Conan and rearrange the power of neighboring kingdoms. Their scheme joins dynastic ambition to forces they may not be able to control. Conan must meet the resulting danger as more than an accomplished fighter: his position depends upon political loyalty, the conduct of rulers, and the different interests of nobles and ordinary subjects. The action moves through battles, captivity, secret passages, and the pursuit of a powerful jewel, widening the scale of the familiar wandering adventure. This text identifies its serialization in Weird Tales from December 1935 through April 1936. The central question is what a warrior king can draw upon when personal strength alone cannot secure his realm.

• Kingship and legitimacy
• Sorcery and ambition
• Loyalty under pressure

Why read it

The longer form allows Howard to connect Conan's physical daring with the larger problem of earning and retaining a kingdom.

English text serialized in Weird Tales, December 1935–April 1936