Tarzan Alive: A Definitive Biography of Lord Greystoke

Tarzan Alive: A Definitive Biography of Lord Greystoke takes a unique approach to Edgar Rice Burroughs' famous character by presenting Tarzan as a real historical figure. The book, published in 1972, treats Burroughs' original works as fictionalized accounts of true events, with author Philip José Farmer positioning himself as a biographer uncovering the authentic story. Farmer constructs an elaborate alternate reality where John Clayton (Tarzan's given name) truly existed, complete with detailed genealogies and historical documentation. The text includes scientific explanations for elements of the Tarzan story that seem fantastical, such as proposing that the apes who raised Tarzan were actually an undiscovered species of hominids with the capacity for language. The work connects Tarzan to an extensive network of literary figures through Farmer's concept of the "Wold Newton family," establishing relationships between characters from various fictional universes. The 2006 Bison Books edition features additional material including interviews with "Lord Greystoke" and previously unpublished memoirs. This creative blend of biography and literary analysis explores themes of identity, truth in storytelling, and the enduring appeal of seemingly impossible heroes. The book raises questions about the boundaries between fact and fiction while examining human potential and adaptability.

Readers appreciate Farmer's meticulous research and creative approach to treating Tarzan as a real historical figure. Many note his careful genealogical work connecting Tarzan to other literary characters and historical figures. Positives: - Deep research into Burroughs' original works - Creative explanations for inconsistencies in the Tarzan stories - Integration of historical events and people - Complex family trees and connections Negatives: - Dense academic writing style - Too much focus on genealogy over character - Some find the premise absurd - Gets bogged down in minor details Review Scores: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (461 ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (54 ratings) Notable reader comments: "Fascinating blend of fact and fiction" - Goodreads reviewer "Gets lost in its own cleverness" - Amazon reviewer "More interested in family trees than storytelling" - LibraryThing review "Fun premise that takes itself too seriously" - Goodreads reviewer

Doc Savage: His Apocalyptic Life by Philip José Farmer This biography applies the same "Wold Newton" approach to pulp hero Doc Savage, treating him as a real historical figure and connecting him to other literary characters through genealogy and historical research.

Time's Last Gift by Philip José Farmer The novel follows a time-traveling archaeologist who bears striking similarities to Tarzan and explores the connections between immortality, identity, and historical figures.

The Adventure of the Peerless Peer by Philip Jose Farmer This crossover novel brings together Sherlock Holmes and Lord Greystoke in a World War I adventure that expands the biographical approach established in Tarzan Alive.

The Other Log of Phileas Fogg by Philip José Farmer This alternate history reimagines Jules Verne's classic as a secret alien conflict, treating fictional characters as historical figures and providing hidden details behind their documented adventures.

A Feast Unknown by Philip Jose Farmer This dark reimagining follows Lord Grandrith, a thinly veiled version of Tarzan, exploring the deeper implications of the character's nature through a biographical lens.

🦁 The book established the "Wold Newton Universe" concept, suggesting numerous literary heroes like Sherlock Holmes, Doc Savage, and Tarzan were related through a meteor strike in 1795. 🌳 Farmer theorizes Tarzan was raised not by great apes but by a now-extinct species of anthropoid apes, making the story more scientifically plausible. 📚 Published in 1972, this work pioneered the concept of "recursive fiction" - stories that treat fictional characters as real historical figures. 👑 The book traces Tarzan's lineage to several noble houses of Europe, asserting he was born John Clayton, Lord Greystoke, on November 22, 1888. 🎭 The author conducted extensive "research," including claimed interviews with Tarzan himself, maintaining the scholarly facade throughout the entire work - even in the acknowledgments.