Edgar Rice Burroughs ​

Edgar Rice Burroughs was an American speculative fiction writer, best known for his creation of the jungle hero Tarzan and the heroic Mars adventurer John Carter. His enduring characters have been featured in numerous adaptations across various media platforms.

Quick Facts ​

• Wrote numerous adventure novels, including the Tarzan and John Carter of Mars series.
• His books have been translated into more than 30 languages.
• Created one of the first and most enduring characters in the genre of science fiction.
• Tarzan has been adapted into more than 200 films since 1918.
• Served as a war correspondent during World War II.

Background ​

Burroughs was born in 1875 in Chicago, Illinois, to a prosperous businessman and his wife. He attended several private schools and later enlisted in the U.S. Cavalry where he was stationed in Arizona. He was a lifelong fan of adventure stories and decided to try his hand at writing his own. His first story, "Under the Moons of Mars", was published in 1912 and he had immediate success. His most famous creation, Tarzan of the Apes, debuted the same year. The Tarzan franchise grew to include twenty-four novels and several motion pictures. Besides the Tarzan series, Burroughs also wrote science fiction and crime novels. He passed away in 1950 in Encino, California.

Writing Style and Impact ​

Burroughs stands out for his exotic settings and action-oriented, vivid prose. His writings are well-known for their imaginative settings - the most famous being Tarzan and Mars series. His work has been influential, helping lay the groundwork for the genre of science fiction and fantasy. Especially the Tarzan series established one of the most enduring pop-culture icons, reflecting the writer's fascination with what civilizing forces constitute and the idea of a natural man thriving in the wild.

Notable Works ​

• A Princess of Mars (1912)
• Tarzan of the Apes (1912)
• The Land That Time Forgot (1918)
• The Gods of Mars (1918)
• Tarzan and the Golden Lion (1923)
• At the Earth's Core (1922)
• The Master Mind of Mars (1928)