Conan: The Ultimate Guide to the World's Most Savage Barbarian    by Roy Thomas Order:  USA  Can DK Publishing, 2006 (2006) Hardcover Read an Excerpt      Reviewed by Tim Davis If you aren't one of the truly committed fans of this most singular of noble savages, then when you think of Conan the Barbarian you probably think only of two films (of somewhat different qualities) from several decades ago featuring that extraordinarily well-developed body-builder with the oddly anachronistic Austrian accent (who went on to become the governor of California). On the other hand, if you are one of the many thousands of Conan's justifiably rabid fans who are spread around the world, you probably remember enjoying every one of the hundreds of comic books, the several other books (by authors Robert E. Howard, Harry Turtledove, and Poul Anderson), the two television series (one of which would be mercifully easy to ignore), the role-playing games, as well as the figures, statues, and swords. Well, here is the book you've been waiting for. Conan authority Roy Thomas has put together a genuine treasure trove of Conan lore, following Conan through the ages, through his different careers and travels across and beyond the Hyborian continent. This book covers nearly all of Conan's bloody exploits and his strange encounters with all sorts of fiendish nemeses and dazzling heroines. Written by Thomas of Marvel fame, this book is an exciting tale that is made indescribably splendid by over 300 images from some of the foremost Conan portrayers ever: Frank Frazetta, Mark Schultz, Gary Gianni, Cary Nord, Ken Kelly, Gregory Manchess, Alex Ross, Barry Windsor-Smith, and many more. Conan himself may be a septuagenarian (having been around that long even though he looks remarkably unchanged over the years), but he is vividly alive, fierce, and marvelous in this absolutely beautiful edition. Read all about Conan's history - recreated in riveting capsules of prose throughout the 160 pages - but, more importantly, savor the fantastic artistry on every square inch of every page. This is, in fact, the perfect coffee-table book for fantasy aficionados who otherwise (and understandably) hate conventional coffee-table books. Enjoy! Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Fantasy books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews