Paul Herman is hosting a blowout centennial bash on January 21, 2006 in a Dallas, Texas pub. There will be readings, things for sale, and lots of other things to see and do. Many popular Howard scholars from around the country will be in attendance, including Rusty Burke, Bill Cavalier, [redacted], Gary Romeo, and your truly. If you are in the area or can make the trip, it would be well worth attending. REH’s centennial only will come once, and any self-respecting Howard fan should be loathe to miss out on it.

Paul’s press release is reprinted below:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – JANUARY 06, 2006
ROBERT E. HOWARD 100th BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

FORT WORTH, TX – Robert E. Howard was the first great fiction author born and bred in Texas. He is now considered an inspiration to a who’s-who of modern horror and fantasy fiction writers and illustrators. On January 21 2006, from 2-p.m., the 100th anniversary of his birth will be celebrated in Fort Worth, Texas. An open mic will be available, and various people will be reading excerpts from the vast range of REH works, from Sword & Sorcery (REH was the creator of Conan the Barbarian, and generally considered the godfather of the entire genre), to horror, fantasy, boxing, westerns, humorous, pirate, and historical adventures. Excerpts from letters will also be presented, as REH tells others about his love of Texas, the creation of his characters, and his views on the times he lived in. And various poems from his extensive portfolio of over 700 works will be presented. REH was a master poet, and skilled at all the various forms in which he worked. Guests are invited to participate, reading either their own favorite excerpts and verses, or serving as a reader of material that will be provided to them there. Or just come and listen.

The event will be at The Black Dog Tavern, recently moved to 2933 Crockett, just a block east and south of the intersection of 7th and University in the city of Fort Worth.

Admittance is only $5/head with all proceeds benefiting the town of Cross Plains, TX, a small ranch and farm community in West Texas (and REH’s hometown) that was recently consumed by wildfires, with over 100 homes destroyed. Books will be on sale, there will be door prizes and various scholars and editors will be on hand to sign books. Your envoy for the afternoon will be Paul Herman, a somewhat wizened and knowledgeable character familiar with the works of he who shall be honored, toasted and commemorated. Other REH editors and scholars will be on hand as well to sign books, answer questions and discuss topics of interest.

If you are unfamiliar with Howard’s work or would like to get to know it better, this is the perfect opportunity to meet people and fans that will happily tell you everything they know about this true Texas legend. There’s a lot more to him than you think.

The Robert E. Howard 100th Birthday Celebration:
Saturday, January 21, 2006
2:00 – 5:00 PM
The Black Dog Tavern
2933 Crockett (new location)
Fort Worth, Texas
$5.00 Per Person – All Proceeds will go the Cross Plains Fire Relief Fund, to benefit the city of Cross Plains, TX, home of the Robert E. Howard Museum
For More Information – Contact Paul Herman @ 972-418-3571, or paul.herman@halliburton.com