Lin Carter, a prolific writer best known for his sword and sorcery tales, may not be a household name, but his creation, the mighty Thongor, remains a titan of the genre.
Born in 1915, Carter developed a love for pulp fiction and fantasy at a young age. He devoured the works of Edgar Rice Burroughs, H.P. Lovecraft, and Robert E. Howard, immersing himself in tales of savage heroes and impossible landscapes. This inspiration soon took root in his own writing, and Carter began crafting stories filled with thrilling action and exotic settings.
In 1967, Carter unleashed his masterpiece: Thongor and the Wizard of Lemuria. This debut novel introduced readers to the titular barbarian, a powerful warrior raised by apes in the lost continent of Lemuria. Thongor, with his flowing mane and primal instincts, quickly captured the hearts of fans hungry for tales of raw courage and unbridled adventure.
The Thongor series became a publishing sensation, spanning ten novels and numerous short stories throughout the 1960s and 1970s. Each book transported readers to the lost continent, a vibrant tapestry of prehistoric dinosaurs, reptilian humanoids, and sorcerers wielding ancient magic. Through it all, Thongor battled monstrous foes, forged unlikely alliances, and embodied the raw power of human potential.
Beyond the Thongor series, Carter’s body of work was vast and varied. He edited and anthologized the works of Lovecraft and Howard, preserving their legacies for future generations. He wrote original sword and sorcery tales, historical fiction, and even ventured into science fiction. Throughout his career, Carter earned several awards and accolades, solidifying his place as a leading figure in the fantasy genre.
But it is Thongor who remains Carter’s enduring legacy. The series continues to find new readers, drawn to its vibrant settings, larger-than-life characters, and thrilling escapism.
Here are some details about Lin Carter and his Thongor series:
- Linwood Vrooman Carter (1915-1988) was an American author, editor, and critic. He was a prolific writer, publishing over 80 books and hundreds of short stories.
- The Thongor series began with the novel Thongor and the Wizard of Lemuria in 1967. It grew to ten novels and several short stories published throughout the 1960s and 1970s.
- The series is considered sword and sorcery, featuring action, adventure, and fantastical elements. It draws inspiration from Robert E. Howard’s Conan the Barbarian and Edgar Rice Burroughs’ Barsoom novels.
- Thongor, the series protagonist, is a powerful and skilled barbarian raised by apes. He fights against creatures like dinosaurs, reptilian humanoids, and sorcerers.
- The series is known for its pulpy style, imaginative settings, and exciting narratives. While not considered high literature, it remains popular among fans of sword and sorcery and pulp fiction.
So, the next time you pick up a sword and sorcery tale, remember Lin Carter, the man who summoned the barbarian of Lemuria from the mists of time and unleashed him upon the world. In the pages of his stories, we can all join Thongor on his adventures, swinging vines, battling monsters, and discovering the boundless potential that lies within us all.