The Christmas card below is a precious relic for a couple of reasons. One is that Robert E. Howard rarely wrote out his signature, usually typing it instead. Apparently, this was because Bob held his calligraphy in slight regard. The other reason is that this card—to my knowledge—is the only REH Christmas card in existence.

Regarding its aesthetic merits, I think Howard did a good job picking it out. The composition and draftsmanship are both quite good, seemingly depicting a New England winter scene. While I'm not sure what year it was sent, I seem to recall that it was around 1930.

Howard fans have Patrice Louinet to thank for this scan. In addition to being a noted REH scholar, Monsieur Louinet is also an avid collector of Howardiana. Acquiring this item was quite a coup.

Years and years ago, Patrice posted a smaller and darker scan online. At the time, I thought the scene depicted had a mysterious, ruddy tower looming in the background with a small village clustered around its snowy foundations. A far more foreboding and fantastical setting than what was actually there.

Can you see what I'm talking about? Maybe not? Oh well, knowing that REH picked it out inclined me to wishful thinking, I guess.

As I've said, that's a cool-looking Yuletide card. Perhaps I missed them, but I don't recall seeing copies for sale at the Howard House Gift Shop in Cross Plains. I would certainly buy a few to send to friends that are also Howard fans.

Once again, my thanks to Mr. Louinet for putting this out there for REH fans to enjoy.

Merry Christmas from the DMR Blog!