Another thing worth considering is the possibility that the letter had been a publicity stunt orchestrated by then Weird Tales editor Farnsworth Wright. True or not, Mr. Wright took full advantage of the Conanites outrage by exhorting readers to “sharpen your axes” as Weird Tales was about to publish Bloch’s first story, in the January 1935 issue.
At least this has been suggested by a few Bloch and Weird Tales scholars. I myself remain undecided.
-Hans