Edgar Rice Burroughs

Edgar Rice Burroughs was an American author who wrote extensively in the adventure, science fiction, and fantasy genres between 1911 and 1950. His most enduring creation was Tarzan, the story of an English nobleman raised by apes in Africa, which spawned 24 novels and numerous adaptations across media. The character of John Carter, featured in eleven novels beginning with "A Princess of Mars," established Burroughs as a pioneer of planetary romance and science fiction. His other significant works included the Pellucidar series, set in a hollow Earth, and the Caspak trilogy, which explored a prehistoric lost world. Burroughs demonstrated remarkable business acumen by establishing Edgar Rice Burroughs, Inc. in 1923 to manage his literary properties and merchandising rights. His legacy extends beyond literature - the Los Angeles community of Tarzana was named after his former ranch, which he purchased from earnings generated by his literary works. Beyond his commercial success, Burroughs served as a war correspondent during World War II and maintained a prolific writing schedule throughout most of his life, producing over 70 novels. His influence on science fiction, fantasy, and adventure genres continues to resonate in popular culture.

Readers appreciate Burroughs' imaginative world-building, fast-paced adventure stories, and ability to transport them to exotic locations. Many praise his creation of memorable characters like Tarzan and John Carter. Fans highlight the escapist fun and pulp action that holds up over a century later. Common criticisms focus on dated social views, racial stereotypes, and simplistic writing style. Some readers note repetitive plot devices and unrealistic character abilities. Others point out wooden dialogue and thin character development. From 140,000+ Goodreads ratings: - Tarzan of the Apes: 3.9/5 - A Princess of Mars: 3.8/5 - The Land That Time Forgot: 3.7/5 Amazon reviews average 4.2/5 across his works. Reader quote: "Pure adventure that sweeps you away, if you can look past the dated elements" - Goodreads reviewer Critical quote: "The racism and sexism are hard to ignore, even for the time period" - Amazon reviewer

TARZAN SERIES Tarzan of the Apes - An English noble infant is raised by apes in Africa, growing into a powerful jungle hero. The Return of Tarzan - Tarzan returns to civilization, faces conspiracies, and finds his way back to Africa. The Beasts of Tarzan - Tarzan's wife and child are kidnapped, leading him on a pursuit across Africa. The Son of Tarzan - Tarzan's son Jack follows in his father's footsteps in the African wilderness. Tarzan and the Jewels of Opar - Tarzan discovers the lost city of Opar while seeking its ancient treasures.

MARS/BARSOOM SERIES A Princess of Mars - Civil War veteran John Carter is transported to Mars and encounters its warrior cultures. The Gods of Mars - Carter returns to Mars to confront false religions and rescue his beloved. The Warlord of Mars - Carter pursues his kidnapped wife across the red planet's polar regions. Thuvia, Maid of Mars - Carter's son Carthoris searches for the kidnapped Thuvia of Ptarth. The Chessmen of Mars - Carter's daughter becomes entangled in Martian intrigue and strange games.

PELLUCIDAR SERIES At the Earth's Core - Explorers discover a prehistoric world inside a hollow Earth. Pellucidar - Return expedition to the inner world faces prehistoric creatures and primitive civilizations. Tanar of Pellucidar - A native of the inner world battles against the empire of Korsar.

VENUS/AMTOR SERIES Pirates of Venus - Carson Napier mistakenly lands on Venus instead of Mars and encounters its civilizations. Lost on Venus - Carson searches for his lost love across the Venusian landscape. Carson of Venus - Carson leads a rebellion against a tyrannical Venusian regime.

STANDALONE NOVELS The Land That Time Forgot - WWI survivors discover an isolated land of evolutionary stages. The Moon Maid - A complex tale of Earth's future and civilization on the moon. The Monster Men - A scientist creates artificial humans on a remote island. The Eternal Lover - A tale connecting modern times with the stone age through reincarnation.

H. Rider Haggard wrote adventure novels set in Africa and lost worlds during the same era as Burroughs, including "King Solomon's Mines" and "She." His work features similar themes of exploration, hidden civilizations, and heroic protagonists facing exotic dangers.

Robert E. Howard created Conan the Barbarian and wrote sword-and-sorcery tales in the 1920s and 1930s featuring strong male protagonists in primitive settings. His stories blend historical settings with fantasy elements and showcase heroes who rely on physical prowess and primal instincts.

A. Merritt published fantasy and lost world fiction in the early 20th century, including "The Moon Pool" and "The Face in the Abyss." His works feature detailed world-building and protagonists who discover hidden civilizations with advanced technology or mystical powers.

Otis Adelbert Kline wrote planetary romance stories in direct competition with Burroughs, including adventures set on Mars and Venus. His work follows similar plot structures with Earth-born heroes transported to exotic planets where they encounter strange creatures and beautiful princesses.

Philip José Farmer wrote the Wold Newton series and created authorized additions to the Tarzan storyline. His work directly builds on Burroughs' concepts while adding layers of complexity to the established mythologies.