Tarzan of the Apes

Tarzan of the Apes is a book by Edgar Rice Burroughs, first published in 1912. The first in the Tarzan series, it tells the story of an orphaned child raised in the African wilderness by a tribe of apes, creating one of the most enduring adventure heroes of the twentieth century. Burroughs drew on the era’s fascination with exploration, lost worlds, and the contrast between civilisation and the primal world, shaping a tale that blends pulp adventure, coming-of-age drama, and survival fiction. The novel’s vivid jungle setting, themes of identity, and fast-paced action contributed to its immediate popularity and helped define early adventure fantasy.

The story follows Tarzan as he grows from a helpless infant into a skilled hunter, navigating the dangers of the jungle while gradually discovering clues to his human origins. The narrative carries a strong sense of wonder, portraying wild landscapes, hidden dangers, and the clash between nature and civilisation. Burroughs’ imaginative world-building laid the groundwork for countless adaptations in film, comics, and radio, making the book a key influence on modern action-adventure storytelling. Readers who enjoy classic adventure novels, survival tales, or vintage pulp fiction will find this an engaging, timeless narrative.