THE COMPLETE CHRONICLES OF CONAN Centenary Edition - Collected Tales

Our review of THE COMPLETE CHRONICLES OF CONAN (Centenary Edition) finds it best suited to readers who want the full, chronological sweep of Robert E. Howard's original Conan stories in one handsome hardcover. The single biggest reason to buy is the collection's comprehensive presentation: every Hyborian Age tale compiled together with editorial context by Stephen Jones and evocative illustrations by Les Edwards, making it a durable reference and an enjoyable, atmospheric read for fans of classic fantasy.

Key Features

• Complete chronological collection: All of Robert E. Howard's Conan tales are gathered in one volume, allowing readers to follow the character's life from thief to king without hunting down separate editions.
• Centenary hardcover presentation: The durable binding and attractive finish give the book a collectible feel that holds up on a shelf and in repeated readings.
• Editorial foreword and afterword: Stephen Jones provides context and compilation notes that help place the stories within Howard's career and the Hyborian chronology.
• Illustrations by Les Edwards: Period-appropriate artwork enhances the tone of the tales and helps visualise Conan and his settings.
• Atmospheric pulp fiction restored: The text preserves the original, gritty tone of Howard's work, keeping the action and mood that long-time fans appreciate.

Who It's For

The book is ideal for collectors of fantasy fiction, long-time Conan fans, and readers who prefer a single authoritative volume to experience the Hyborian Age in order. Those who value tactile, hardcover editions and historical context will find the Stephen Jones foreword and afterword especially useful.

Readers seeking a lightweight or budget paperback edition, or those who prefer modern retellings and adaptations rather than Howard's original pulp prose, might look elsewhere. This edition is focused on preservation and completeness rather than a trimmed or annotated academic variant.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Comprehensive gathering of Conan stories makes it a convenient single-volume reference.
• Hardcover format and binding contribute to a collectible, satisfying feel.
• Stephen Jones contributions and Les Edwards illustrations add valuable context and atmosphere.

Cons

• Some readers may find the price high for a single-volume edition, though many report it is worth the cost.

Specifications

Our Verdict

The Centenary Edition is a strong choice for anyone who wants the complete Howard Conan saga in a single, well-produced hardcover. Its editorial framing and illustrations add value beyond the stories themselves, making it a worthwhile purchase for collectors and fans who appreciate authenticity and presentation even if some may balk at the higher price.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this edition include all of Robert E. Howard's Conan stories?
Yes; the Centenary Edition collects the Conan tales in chronological order to present the character's full arc.

Who provides the editorial material in this volume?
Stephen Jones compiles the volume and contributes a foreword and afterword to contextualise the tales.

Are there illustrations in the book?
Yes; Les Edwards provides illustrations that complement the pulp-era tone of the stories.