With nothing more than a small collection of books and no assistance at all, Tarzan is able to teach himself how to read despite the fact that he cannot speak English (or any other language other than 'Ape').No real explanation is given for Tarzan's incredible gifts. Wild living also enhances one's agility to superhuman levels, and enhances one's senses to a level that one can track prey by smell and hear whispers spoken miles away. Tarzan has superhuman strength - apparently all that is needed for that is living in the wild. He is apparently the strongest, most agile, handsomest, and most intelligent individual alive - so much so that he almost resembles a Mary Sue character. The problem is that Tarzan is essentially a cartoon of a character. This seems odd, since Tarzan ostensibly lives in early twentieth century Earth, while for example, John Carter wanders about the red sands of Barsoom, and Julien is a reincarnating individual fighting invaders from our own moon. In general, however, I find the character to be less interesting, and less believable than many of his others. Tarzan is the most famous of Edgar Rice Burroughs' creations. In this inexpensive edition, complete and unabridged, it will thrill a new generation with the legendary exploits of the 'Lord of the Apes.' Read more The ape-man's story is told here in this classic, fast-paced novel, packed with riveting adventures as Tarzan avenges the killing of Kala, his ape-mother, subdues man-eating beasts of the jungle, meets and falls in love with the beautiful Jane Porter, vanquishes greedy pirate-adventurers, and deals with assorted other threats.Īlthough Burroughs followed this story with many Tarzan sequels, it is doubtful if any ever equaled this novel for its originality, readability and sheer storytelling power.

Rescued and reared by apes, he learns to speak their language and imitate their ability to travel swiftly through the treetops.Įventually, his courage, immense strength and exceptional intelligence earn him the respect and admiration not only of the apes, but of all the creatures of the jungle. Highly imaginative, exotic and suspenseful, the story tells of an infant - the son of an aristocratic English couple - abandoned when his parents die in the jungles of Africa.

Having failed in a number of occupations as a young man, Edgar Rice Burroughs (1875–1950) found his niche as a writer with Tarzan of the Apes, first published in 1914.

Tarzan 1912