Personally, I think starting with the most popular Conan stories is a great idea. 'Red Nails' is often considered one of the best. By starting with the popular ones, you get immediately hooked on Conan's world. These stories usually have the most engaging plots and the best - developed settings. After reading the popular ones, you can then explore the lesser - known stories which can give you a more in - depth understanding of the Conan universe.
One way could be to start with the earliest published ones. This allows you to follow the development of the characters and the storylines from the very beginning. For example, start with the first volume and progress chronologically.
You could read them in the order of their original publication. This way, you experience the evolution of Holmes as a character and Doyle's writing style over time. For instance, 'A Study in Scarlet' was the first, so starting there gives you a foundation.
Look for anthologies or collections that are already arranged in a logical order. Some editors have put together Conan stories in an order that they think is the best for new readers. You can trust their judgment and start with those. Also, consider reading reviews or asking other Conan fans. They might have their own preferred order based on their reading experience, and you can get some great insights from them.
The Conan novels are typically numbered in the order of their publication. However, different editions might vary slightly. Generally, you can start with the earliest published ones to follow the development of the story and characters over time.
Well, if you really want to get into the Sherlock Holmes world in an organized way, first read 'A Study in Scarlet' as it sets the foundation for everything. It shows how Holmes and Watson meet and start their detective work together. Then read 'The Sign of Four' which delves deeper into their adventures. After that, start with the short story collections in the order they were published, like 'The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes', 'The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes', etc. This way, you can follow the development of Holmes as a character and the evolution of Doyle's writing style over time.
One of the best Conan stories is 'The Tower of the Elephant'. It features Conan's early adventures in the city of Zamora. He climbs a mysterious tower to face a powerful and otherworldly being, showing his courage and tenacity in the face of the unknown.
For me, 'Queen of the Black Coast' stands out. It has a compelling story with adventure and romance. The way Howard describes the settings and Conan's encounters is just fantastic.
One of the best Howard Conan stories is 'The Phoenix on the Sword'. It shows Conan's rise to power and his ability to face complex political and supernatural threats. Conan's strength and cunning are on full display in this story.