Step into the thrilling world of Tarzan, where jungle adventures and a noble hero swing through the vines! Created by Edgar Rice Burroughs, the Tarzan series follows the iconic lord of the apes, a man raised by gorillas who embodies the perfect blend of wild strength and human heart. Across 24 novels, this adventure saga captures the untamed spirit of the African jungle and the timeless struggle between civilization and nature.
From its debut in 1912, Tarzan’s tales have hooked readers with their pulse-pounding action, vivid settings, and a hero who’s as compassionate as he is fearless. Ready to explore the legacy of this jungle king? Let’s dive in!
How Tarzan Began
Edgar Rice Burroughs, a former pencil-sharpener salesman turned pulp fiction master, introduced Tarzan in Tarzan of the Apes, serialized in All-Story Magazine in 1912. Inspired by myths of feral children and the romanticized idea of the noble savage, Burroughs crafted a hero who was both primal and principled. The story of John Clayton, orphaned in the African jungle and raised by apes, struck a chord with readers craving escapism during a rapidly industrializing era. Its success sparked a franchise, with Burroughs penning 23 more novels over three decades.
The Heart of Tarzan
The Tarzan series is a treasure trove of adventure, with key books setting the stage for its enduring appeal. Tarzan of the Apes (1912) introduces Tarzan’s origin, his adoption by the ape Kala, and his romance with Jane Porter. The Return of Tarzan (1913) follows his journey to reclaim his place in the jungle and win Jane’s heart. The Beasts of Tarzan (1914) sees Tarzan battling kidnappers with his animal allies, while Tarzan and the Jewels of Opar (1916) dives into lost cities and ancient treasures.
Themes of survival, identity, and the clash between civilization and wilderness define the series. Tarzan’s superhuman agility and moral code make him a bridge between two worlds, while the lush, perilous jungle setting—teeming with lions, crocodiles, and lost tribes—fuels the high-stakes drama. Burroughs’ straightforward, action-packed style keeps readers hooked, blending romance, mystery, and exotic locales with a touch of early 20th-century adventure pulp.
Why Tarzan Resonates
Tarzan’s impact stretches far beyond the page, shaping the adventure genre and inspiring countless adaptations, from silent films to Disney’s 1999 animated classic. The series tapped into a fascination with the untamed, offering readers a hero who embodied freedom and strength in an increasingly urban world. Tarzan’s environmental undertones—his deep bond with nature—resonate today, making him a timeless symbol of humanity’s connection to the wild.
Fans cherish the series for its escapist thrills and Tarzan’s unwavering heroism, which continue to inspire modern stories of survival and self-discovery. Its blend of heart, action, and jungle mystique keeps the lord of the apes swinging into new generations.
- First published: 1912
- Total books: 24
- Author: Edgar Rice Burroughs
- Genre: Adventure, pulp fiction
About Tarzan
Ready to swing into the jungle? Grab Tarzan of the Apes and discover the timeless adventure of the lord of the apes!