One of the veritable holy grails of Howardiana is the 1937 novel A Gent from Bear Creek, Robert E. Howard’s first published “novel.” Even if it’s only a collection of existing Breckenridge Elkins yarns, it’s immensely important to the history of Howard in print.

I always found it rather interesting that the first Howard novel to be published was not The Hour of the Dragon, or Almuric, or a fantasy anthology, but a tall-tale western anthology. Were I collector-minded person like The Cimmerian’s own Jeffrey Shanks (and were I possessing the necessary funds) I would endeavor to seek out a copy of this particular piece of Howard history, not just because of its precious rarity, but because it’s emblematic of Howard’s talent beyond that of Sword-and-Sorcery, which only comprises a fraction of his vast oeuvre.

Most versions of A Gent from Bear Creek since the first Donald M. Grant edition have been edited, but Dennis McHaney alerts us via Coming Attractions of a new edition that restores the Jenkins text. A perusal of the preview shows that the Jenkins copyright emblem, introduction to Elkins, and title page from the original edition have been replicated beautifully: hopefully the book plate will also be present. For a comparison to the real McCoy, have a gander at these pictures from Howard Works.

In terms of historical appeal, it might well be the next best thing to owning one of the originals. I’ll definitely be getting one.

MIGUEL ADDS: This volume is available from Lulu.com and thus buyers can benefit from the 20% off until December 31.

…AND DEUCE ADDS: Dennis McHaney has been publishing great REH-related items for well-nigh forty years. In my opinion, this is one of his coolest projects. Breckinridge Elkins fans might also want to check out Rob Roehm’s excellent “Bear Creek Bonanza” here.