Random Edgar Rice Burroughs Podcasts

Originally featured as a five-part serial in All-Story Cavalier magazine in 1914 and later published in book form in 1916, The Beasts of Tarzan is the third book in the gripping Tarzan series. Shifting from London to the natural African scenery, the novel follows Tarzan as he finds himself in the wicked ploy of old enemies, which launches him into a mission to save his beloved wife and son, while also caring for his own welfare. Furthermore, he must go back to his previous life and reclaim his position as king of the jungle. The novel begins with the escape of Tarzan’s archenemy Nikolas Rokoff from prison, who is intent on getting his revenge. The events in the novel are set shortly after Tarzan has settled in to his new life as Lord Greystroke, a married man and father to baby Jack. Just when things seem to have stabilized, Tarzan once again is faced with unease, as his infant son is kidnapped by Rokoff and his henchman Alexis Paulvich. Subsequently, Tarzan follows a trail supposedly leading to the whereabouts of his son, but instead it leads him straight into Rokoff’s trap. Accordingly, Tarzan finds himself imprisoned on a ship bound for the African east coast. At the same time, Jane suspects that Tarzan might be entering a trap and decides to go after her him. Needless to say, things do not go well for her either, as she too is imprisoned aboard the ship and caught up in Rokoff’s mischievous scheme of revenge. Upon reaching a deserted island, Rokoff abandons Tarzan on its shores, while telling him of his plans to leave infant Jack to be raised among cannibals as one of their own. Marooned, Tarzan must join forces with the animal inhabitants of the island in order to safely reunite his family and free them from the evil grasp of Rokoff. A riveting continuation of the audacious adventures of Tarzan, the novel effectively carries on Burroughs’ reputation as an imaginative novelist as he presents a refreshing take on the already well-known characters, as well as introducing a new set of characters. Additionally, he creates a distinctive plot by incorporating a vivid setting and applying evocative imagery. An action-packed installment, the piece promises satisfaction for any fan of the Tarzan series.

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Warlord of Mars by Edgar Rice Burroughs was first published in 1913. It was the third book in an eleven part series known as the Barsoom Chronicles which relate to a sequence of exciting adventure tales set on the fictional planet of Barsoom. In the Barsoom series, Mars, assumed to be older than Earth, is a dying planet. “Barsoom” is the native word for Mars in the Martian language. The stories first appeared in serialized form in various magazines like All-Story, Argosy, Amazing Stories and The Blue Book. They were later compiled into book form and were hugely popular in their day. Edgar Rice Burroughs, known more famously as the creator of the Lord of the Jungle, Tarzan, was an extremely prolific American writer who churned out potboilers by the hundreds. His work covered several genres including science fiction, adventure tales, historical sagas and Westerns. Though literary critics carped at what they called “pulp fiction” Burroughs’ influence on generations of young people in search of excitement and adventure is undeniable. He influenced “more serious” writers to explore the world of Sci-Fi writing. Burroughs was also extremely media savvy and far ahead of his time about marketing his work. Tarzan was converted into a bestselling comic strip, film rights were sold, Tarzan theme parks and merchandise were planned. The Barsoom series is based on the expedition of Earthmen to Mars by a mysterious method of transportation that involves astral projection. John Carter an American Civil War veteran travels to Mars, engages in fierce battles for supremacy with various denizens of the Red Planet and falls in love with and marries one of its lovely inhabitants. In Warlord of Mars, the hero, John Carter’s mission is to rescue his wife Princess Dejah Thoris who has been imprisoned by the evil Goddess Issus. Carter explores deeper and further into the planet’s far flung regions and discovers all manner of fantastic creatures who he has to vanquish to gain the title of Warlord of Mars. In the Barsoom series, Burroughs has created an entire fictional universe, complete with history, geography, politics, religion and people with their own set of values. He based much of his work on the scientific information available at the time and used it to create these fantasy worlds. For Sci-Fi fans, Warlord of Mars is indeed a gripping and entertaining read.

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An aristocratic English family is marooned off the coast of West Africa. They find their way into the interior of the dense jungle that lines the coast and here, Lord Greystoke is killed by a predatory ape. Lady Greystoke survives with her infant boy, but in a few months, she too succumbs to the perils of jungle life. The baby is adopted by a maternal she-ape who nurses him along with her own child. This marks the dawn of a legend – Tarzan of the Apes. Edgar Rice Burroughs was an American novelist who turned to fiction writing after an unsuccessful stint as a pencil sharpener salesman. His shrewd business acumen and marketing blitzkrieg ensured that Tarzan burst upon the world in the form of novels, comic-strips, films and merchandise. The legend of Tarzan took on the proportions of an icon that has endured ever since it first appeared in 1912. Since then, nearly 26 books and short stories featuring the Lord of the Jungle appeared in various magazines and in serial form. It seemed as if the world could not get enough of this rough hewn nobleman, clad in leopard skin and leaping through the magnificent forests of darkest Africa. Tarzan of the Apes is the very first book in the series. The plot is fast paced and the style captures the reader’s interest till the very last chapter. The young orphan grows up with a tribe of apes, but all the while knowing that he is different from them. He chances upon a small metal box which contains his father’s diary, faded photographs and artifacts that once belonged to his dead parents and finally begins to understand his true heritage. His growth into manhood and his journey to England to trace his lost inheritance form the rest of this compelling story. Generations of readers have enjoyed and loved memorable characters in the book like the maternal she-ape, Kala, the villainous males Kerchak and Tublat and of course, the gorgeous Jane who captures the jungle hero’s heart. Tarzan is portrayed as the symbol of pure and untainted manhood, perfect both physically and mentally and this is probably the secret of his enduring appeal over so many decades. Though modern-day readers may find parts of the novel dated and not politically correct, it remains a classical coming of age story that appeals to young and old alike. Adventure, thrills and romance interspersed with exciting episodes of combat and villainy make it an exciting read. More great books at LoyalBooks.com

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The People that Time Forgot is a science fiction novel, the second of Edgar Rice Burroughs’ “Caspak” trilogy. The first novel ended with the hero writing a manuscript of his adventures and casting it out to sea in his thermos bottle. The second novel begins with the finding of the manuscript and the organization of a rescue expedition. More great books at LoyalBooks.com

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Published in 1920, Thuvia, Maid of Mars is the fourth book in the Barsoom series and concentrates on Carthoris, the son of infamous John Carter, and Thuvia, the princess of Ptarth, as they find themselves entangled in a complex web of love and strict traditions of Barsoom. A typical Burroughs piece, the installment contains all the required elements of an effective pulp fiction, including a hero, a damsel in distress, unforeseen complications, and a generous supply of action. Welcoming a new protagonist to the scene, Thuvia, Maid of Mars follows the audacious feats of Carthoris, who is incidentally madly in love with the princess of Ptarth, as he gets caught up in numerous predicaments in the name of love. The installment also focuses on the beautiful Thuvia, who is betrothed to Kulan Tith, and according to Barsoomian customs, nothing can break off an engagement as it is a delicate and serious matter. So, Carthoris finds himself in quite the plight as his love appears to be both impossible and unrequited. To make matters worse, Thuvia is suddenly kidnapped, which throws the entire planet into frenzy and threatens the governing peace, as Barsoom is pushed to the brink of war. At the same time, Carthoris embarks on a quest across the planet to save his beloved from harm’s way, while endangering his own safety, as he finds himself in unexplored parts of Barsoom and encounters many obtrusions along the way. Furthermore, Carthoris must not only rescue the princess, but he must also work against the clock and return home safely before war breaks loose. Adding new intriguing elements and twists to the familiar setting of Mars, Burroughs continues to delight science fiction enthusiasts. The planetary romance offers a slower pace of action than its predecessors, therefore allowing Burroughs the opportunity to efficiently employ descriptive language to add more detail to life on the Red Planet. Consequently, the novel reveals interesting customs of its Martian residents, while offering insightful and vivid exterior descriptions, including the manners, customs, traffic patterns, and architectural elements. An undeniably enthralling fusion of adventure, fantasy, romance and danger, the novel offers a bit of everything to satisfy every appetite. More great books at LoyalBooks.com

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Jungle Tales of Tarzan is a collection of twelve loosely-connected short stories written by Edgar Rice Burroughs, comprising the sixth book in order of publication in his series about the title character Tarzan. Chronologically, the events recounted in it actually occur between chapters 12 and 13 of the first Tarzan novel, Tarzan of the Apes.

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Burroughs’ second book in the classic Barsoom series, The Gods of Mars is a scientific fiction novel following the adventures of John Carter as he returns to Mars after a ten year hiatus in the hope of being reunited with his wife, child and the Red Martian people. First published as a five-part serial in a pulp magazine in the course of 1913, the novel was later published as a whole in 1918. A tale of audacity, honor, optimism, and perseverance, Burroughs successfully builds on to the previous book allowing a broader view of the Red Planet. The novel begins as John Carter returns to Barsoom after his involuntary absence of ten years and finds himself in the Valley Dor, or the Barsoomian afterlife from which no one is permitted to leave. However, the Valley Dor is anything but a spiritual haven and instead Carter discovers that it is a ruse, forged by the Therns, a race of self-proclaimed gods. For eons they have deceived Barsoomians into believing that the pilgrimage to the Valley Dor is a journey to paradise, although in reality most visitors are either killed or enslaved by the Therns. Accompanied by friend Tars Tarkas, the pair tries to escape from the place, and are aided by the confusion caused by an attack by the Black Pirates of Barsoom upon the Therns. Taking advantage of the present mayhem, Carter and his accomplices are able to hijack a Black Pirate flier, killing most of the Pirates in the process and saving a Thern captive. Carter learns that the Black Pirates or the “First Born”, also see themselves as gods therefore clarifying their hatred for the Therns. The Red Planet finds itself in a time of crisis, immersed in religious and schismatic conflict, and it is up to Carter to not only participate but maneuver a planetary scale revolution. Burroughs continues his fast moving plot full of action and twists, as the endearing hero must prevail through many obstacles and bring order between the inhabitants, while ultimately reuniting himself with his family. The Gods of Mars is an exciting installment in the Barsoom series which continues to pave the way for science fiction as its protagonist faces his greatest challenges and deadliest dangers to date.

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Burroughs’ first published book, as well as the first book in the Barsoom series, A Princess of Mars is a science fiction novel following the adventures of the heroic John Carter, after he is mysteriously transported to the planet Mars where he meets its divided inhabitants. The novel is considered to be a seminal for the planetary romance, which is a sub-genre of science fantasy. Burroughs’ book has also inspired a number of well known science fiction writers during the beginning of the 20th century. The story sets off with the introduction of Civil War veteran John Carter, who while mining for gold in Arizona, gets into a skirmish with native Indians. Forced to evade inside a mysterious cave, he is mysteriously transported to Mars, or Barsoom as it is called by its inhabitants. Carter discovers that he has immense strength and agility caused by the lower force of gravity on the planet. He then becomes acquainted with the Tharks, a nomadic tribe described as having four arms, a fearsome temperament and mostly distinguished by their green skin. The Tharks first instincts to kill the strange creature are quickly pushed aside as they are amazed by Carter’s super abilities and decide to take him prisoner instead. Carter learns the importance the Tharks place on strength and brutality, and through his new found vigor he rises to earn a respectable place among the tribe. Soon the princess Dejah Thoris, who is a part of the humanoid red race of Helium, is captured by the Tharks. Carter’s attempt to save the princess causes him to be caught up in the politics of the two opposing Martian sides. As an escapist fantasy, the novel contains many imaginative ideas which are successfully portrayed through its depiction of the Red Planet and includes a detailed illustration of alien culture, romance, and action. The detail in which it is written and its fast moving plot is what grabs and maintains the full attention of the reader. A story of loyalty and sacrifice, A Princess of Mars is a masterpiece of its time and an influence for the pulp fiction genre that followed.

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The novel picks up where Tarzan of the Apes left off. The ape man, feeling rootless in the wake of his noble sacrifice of his prospects of wedding Jane Porter, leaves America for Europe to visit his friend Paul d’Arnot. On the ship he becomes embroiled in the affairs of Countess Olga de Coude, her husband, Count Raoul de Coude, and two shady characters attempting to prey on them, Nikolas Rokoff and his henchman Alexis Paulvitch.

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This is the first book in the Pellucidar series. Pellucidar is a fictional Hollow Earth milieu invented by Edgar Rice Burroughs for a series of action adventure stories. The stories initially involve the adventures of mining heir David Innes and his inventor friend Abner Perry after they use an “iron mole” to burrow 500 miles into the earth’s crust. (adapted from Wikipedia)

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This is the fifth of Burrough’s Tarzan novels. Tarzan finds himself bereft of his fortune and resolves to return to the jewel-room of Opar, leaving Jane to face unexpected danger at home.

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