My first introduction to Conan was through the 12 book set. Because of this I will always be more accepting of de Camps pastiche work then I will of most of the others.bolen said:
Having said that, I just recently started reading the unedited Howard for the first time. Comparing them to the edited text makes me wonder about some of the changes that de Camp made. In all the completed stories that he edited his work does not improve on the original material. Howard had a natural style that flows from one scene to the next, his use of language creates strong images that stay with a person after the story is finished. de Camp's editing seems to break up this flow.
His completion of the unfinished stories are nice. Not as good as Howard, but who is. these stories give a better structure to the character as a whole and add some detail to the world.
Now, over all, I consider myself to be a howard purist. but we do need to allow some leeway for the better pastiches.
