 Cover of the first edition | |
| Author | Robert E. Howard |
|---|---|
| Cover artist | Jack Gaughan |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Science fiction |
| Publisher | Ace Books |
Publication date | 1964 |
| Publication place | United States |
| Media type | Print (Paperback) |
| Pages | 157 |
| OCLC | 5821930 |
Almuric is a science fiction novel by American writer Robert E. Howard. It was originally serialized in three parts in the magazine Weird Tales beginning in May 1939. The novel was first published in book form in 1964 by Ace Books.
The novel features a muscular hero known on earth as Esau Cairn, a complete misfit in modern America who "belongs in a simpler age". Exploited by a corrupt political boss whom he finally kills with his bare hands, Cairn must flee. A sympathetic scientist helps him get through space to a world known as Almuric, by unspecified scientific methods. There he finds a life to which he is more fitted, encountering both frightening monsters as well as beautiful women. Cairn becomes known as Iron Hand due to his powerful punches and boxing skills. The novel shares similar elements with the John Carter of Mars series by Edgar Rice Burroughs.
Esau is the name of a Biblical character who is depicted as a wild, restless hunter – thus a fitting name for Howard's character.