Meet the Man Behind Tarzan: Edgar Rice Burroughs

Hello there, adventure enthusiasts! Today, we're going to delve into the fascinating world of the man who brought us the iconic jungle hero, Tarzan's creator, Edgar Rice Burroughs. So, grab your pith helmets and let's embark on this literary expedition! Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and tarzan's creator.

The Birth of a Legend

Edgar Rice Burroughs was born on September 1, 1875, in Chicago, Illinois. He was the eldest of three children born to George Tyler Burroughs, a businessman, and his wife, Mary Evaline (Ziegler) Burroughs. Burroughs' early life was marked by a love for adventure and the outdoors, which would later heavily influence his writing.

Burroughs' formal education was sporadic, due to his family's financial struggles. However, he was an avid reader and devoured books about the American West, Africa, and other exotic locales. This passion for adventure and exploration would eventually lead him to create Tarzan, a character that would captivate audiences worldwide.

From the Army to the Jungle

Burroughs' military career was short-lived but eventful. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1896 and was stationed at Fort Grant, Arizona. It was here that he began writing, penning stories about his experiences in the army and the rugged American West. However, his military career was cut short after he was discharged in 1897 due to poor health.

After his discharge, Burroughs worked as a railroad policeman, a cowboy, and even tried his hand at gold mining. But it was his experiences in the army that would prove most influential, providing him with the inspiration and knowledge to create Tarzan, a character that would embody the spirit of the untamed wilderness.

The Birth of Tarzan

In 1912, Burroughs decided to try his hand at writing fiction. He had been working as a bookkeeper, but his passion for adventure and storytelling was too strong to ignore. He wrote a novel called "A Princess of Mars," which was published in 1917. However, it was his second novel, "Tarzan of the Apes," that would change his life forever.

Tarzan's creator drew inspiration from his love of the outdoors, his experiences in the army, and his fascination with Africa. The result was a character unlike any other: a man raised by apes in the dense jungles of Africa, who possessed incredible strength, agility, and intelligence. Tarzan was a hero for the ages, a symbol of man's ability to survive and thrive in the most challenging of environments.

Tarzan's Impact

"Tarzan of the Apes" was an instant success, and Burroughs quickly followed it up with a series of Tarzan novels. The character became a cultural phenomenon, appearing in films, radio shows, comic strips, and even theme park attractions. Tarzan's influence can still be felt today, in everything from superhero movies to video games.

Tarzan's creator went on to write many other novels, including the popular "John Carter of Mars" series. However, it was Tarzan that remained his most enduring creation, a testament to the power of storytelling and the human spirit.

Burroughs' Legacy

Edgar Rice Burroughs passed away on March 19, 1950, at the age of 74. But his legacy lives on in the countless stories he told, and the characters he created. He was a master of adventure fiction, a pioneer of the pulp magazine genre, and the man who created Tarzan.

So, the next time you swing through the jungle, or imagine yourself as a hero in a far-off land, remember Edgar Rice Burroughs. He was a man who dared to dream, who dared to create, and who left an indelible mark on the world of literature.

That's all for now, folks! Thanks for joining us on this adventure. Until next time, keep exploring, keep dreaming, and always remember: "Me Tarzan, you Jane!"