Hi JoT.
Good question! I collect books too .... loads of 'em!
There's a particular fantasy author I like called Karl Edward Wagner (sadly dead now), he used to write about the exploits of an immortal hero (as cursed by the Gods no less!) called Kane. I suppose in a similar vein to Conan, however the character Kane is not a nice person at all, very ruthless and looks out for number one, woe betide anyone who gets in his way! Which to my mind makes him all the more interesting! I've got as many of his books as I can find and have a couple of first editions too.
I've got loads of Robert E. Howard books too, he was the writer who developed the character of Conan the barbarian back in the 1930's. He wrote loads of stuff but committed suicide in his 30's. They're a good read but not particularly demanding (pulp fiction) and are a left over from my teenage years. I don't read them at all now but I don't think I'll ever get rid of them.... too many memories!
Got the Edgar Rice Burroughs Tarzan books too .... another good read but how do you teach yourself to read when the only language you've ever heard is that of apes?? I enjoyed the books but just couldn't get my head round that bit!
My other collection is of books featuring the work of fantasy artists (there's a theme developing here isn't there?). I have books by Chris Achilleos, Michael Whelan, Jim Burns, Boris Vallejo, Roger Dean, Syd Mead (who's not really fantasy but a great artist) and Rodney Matthews amongst others. Nothing by Frank Frazetta though .... which I've only just realised!
I could go on but I'll spare you, I can't get enough of books!!!
My Dad used to collect maps and used to spend ages examining them on the kitchen table much to the annoyance of my Mum!
Cheers
Paul