Echoes of Valor II

Echoes of Valor II is a 1989 fantasy anthology edited by Karl Edward Wagner, published by Tor Books. The collection brings together nine classic fantasy stories from renowned authors including Robert E. Howard, C. L. Moore, Henry Kuttner, Leigh Brackett, and Ray Bradbury. The anthology features significant historical pieces, including two versions of Howard's Conan tale "The Frost-Giant's Daughter." Wagner provides introductions to each section, offering context about the authors and works. The collection includes collaborations between authors, such as Moore and Kuttner's "Quest of the Starstone" and Brackett and Bradbury's "Lorelei of the Red Mist." Several previously rare or unpublished works appear in the volume, including autobiographical material from C. L. Moore and an unfinished fragment by Manly Wade Wellman. The book includes commentary from figures connected to the original publications, providing historical perspective on the stories' creation and publication. The anthology serves as both a preservation of important fantasy literature and a documentation of creative relationships between influential authors of the pulp era. Through its mix of adventure tales and behind-the-scenes material, it captures a crucial period in the development of American fantasy writing.

Readers found this anthology notable for reviving rare sword & sorcery stories from influential authors. The collection introduces previously unpublished works by Robert E. Howard and gathers hard-to-find stories. Readers appreciated: - Editor Wagner's detailed background notes on each story - The inclusion of Howard's "King Conan" fragment - The historical significance of preserved manuscripts - Quality of restoration and editing Common criticisms: - Uneven story quality across the collection - Some fragments feel incomplete - Limited appeal beyond hardcore genre fans - High price for page count Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (32 ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (4 reviews) Direct reader quote: "Wagner's editorial comments alone make this worth reading for Howard scholars" - Goodreads reviewer The anthology receives praise from collectors and Howard enthusiasts but less enthusiasm from casual readers seeking complete, polished stories.

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🗸 The book features two different versions of "The Frost-Giant's Daughter," including the original manuscript which was rejected by Weird Tales magazine in 1932. 🗸 Karl Edward Wagner, besides being an editor, was himself a celebrated horror and dark fantasy author, creator of the immortal anti-hero Kane. 🗸 The pulp era (1920s-1950s) got its name from the cheap wood pulp paper used to print magazines, which has made surviving copies increasingly rare and valuable. 🗸 C.L. Moore, featured in the anthology, was one of the first prominent female authors in fantasy/sci-fi, though she initially used her initials to mask her gender. 🗸 Ray Bradbury sold his first professional story at age 20 and went on to write over 27 novels and more than 600 short stories throughout his career.