The Hyborian Age cover
Science Fiction & Fantasy

The Hyborian Age

by Robert E. Howard

About 35 min of reading1 chapters

The Hyborian Age is the imaginary history that Robert E. Howard wrote as background for his stories of Conan the Cimmerian, first printed in the mid-1930s. In a short introductory note Howard explains that it is fiction, prepared so that Conan's world would feel as solid as that of real historical fiction. The essay then describes, in the manner of a chronicle, the sinking of Atlantis, the rise of the Hyborian kingdoms in a forgotten age between that cataclysm and recorded history, their wars, migrations and decline, and the barbarian invasions that eventually swept them away, leaving names that echo in later legends. It is a key document for readers of sword-and-sorcery fiction. The full text is available to read online in your browser on Vinteuil, and the opening pages are free.

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Frequently asked questions about The Hyborian Age

The Hyborian Age by Robert E. Howard can be read online on Vinteuil, directly in your browser. The first chapter is free for everyone; the complete book is included in Vinteuil Reading ($4.99/month or $39.99/year) or yours forever for $2.99.

Can I read The Hyborian Age online?

Yes. The Hyborian Age opens right on this page, in a reader designed for long reading: adjustable text size, light, sepia and dark themes, a clickable table of contents and your place saved when you are signed in. No download or app is needed.

Is The Hyborian Age free to read on Vinteuil?

The first chapter of The Hyborian Age is free, without an account. To read the whole book, either buy its online reading for $2.99 (£2.99 in the UK) and keep it forever, or subscribe to Vinteuil Reading for $4.99/month (£4.99/month in the UK) or $39.99/year, with 1 month free for new subscribers. The subscription opens every book in the library and can be cancelled at any time.

Is The Hyborian Age in the public domain?

Yes. The Hyborian Age by Robert E. Howard is a public-domain work. Vinteuil offers a carefully prepared digital edition made for comfortable reading on screen.

How long does it take to read The Hyborian Age?

About 35 min of reading, at an average reading pace. Your place is saved automatically when you are signed in, so you can read in several sittings and on several devices.

What kind of book is The Hyborian Age?

The Hyborian Age by Robert E. Howard is filed under "Science Fiction & Fantasy" in the Vinteuil library.