Queen of the Black Coast (collection)

Queen of the Black Coast is a collection of fantasy stories by Robert E. Howard, featuring his most famous character, Conan the Barbarian. The collection's title story, "Queen of the Black Coast," is one of the most celebrated and frequently reprinted Conan tales.

Content:

While the exact contents of the collection vary depending on the publisher and edition, a Queen of the Black Coast collection typically includes the following:

• "Queen of the Black Coast": The eponymous story, in which Conan joins the pirate queen Bêlit and embarks on adventures along the Black Coast.
• Other Conan stories: The collection may also feature other notable Conan stories written by Howard, such as "The Devil in Iron," "The People of the Black Circle," "Beyond the Black River," "Shadows in Zamboula," or others. The selection depends on the particular publisher's choices.
• Essays and/or artwork: Some editions of the collection may include introductory essays about Howard and Conan, or artwork related to the stories.

Publication History:

The "Queen of the Black Coast" story was originally published in Weird Tales magazine in May 1934. Over the years, it has been reprinted in numerous anthologies and collections. The collection of stories under the title Queen of the Black Coast is also published by various publishing houses, with varying content. These collections aim to present a curated selection of Conan stories, often highlighting the "Queen of the Black Coast" as a centerpiece.

Significance:

The "Queen of the Black Coast" story is considered a landmark in sword and sorcery literature. Bêlit, the pirate queen, is a memorable and strong female character, and her relationship with Conan is a significant element of the story. The story's themes of adventure, romance, and savagery have resonated with readers for decades. The collection, by bringing together several of these pivotal Conan adventures, provides a valuable overview of Howard's work and the Conan mythos.