Edgar Rice Burroughs
Edgar Rice Burroughs: A Literary Pioneer
Full Name and Common Aliases
Full Name: Edgar Rice Burroughs
Common Aliases: Often referred to simply as "ERB" by fans and scholars.
Birth and Death Dates
Born: September 1, 1875
Died: March 19, 1950
Nationality and Profession(s)
Nationality: American
Profession(s): Novelist, Short Story Writer, and Entrepreneur
Early Life and Background
Edgar Rice Burroughs was born in Chicago, Illinois, to a family with a rich military background. His father, George Tyler Burroughs, was a Civil War veteran, which instilled in Edgar a sense of adventure and discipline from a young age. Burroughs attended several prestigious schools, including Phillips Academy in Andover, Massachusetts, and the Michigan Military Academy, where he graduated in 1895. Despite his education, Burroughs struggled to find his footing in the professional world, trying his hand at various jobs, including a brief stint in the U.S. Cavalry, gold mining, and even as a pencil sharpener wholesaler. These diverse experiences, however, would later enrich his storytelling, providing a wealth of material for his imaginative worlds.
Major Accomplishments
Edgar Rice Burroughs is best known for creating some of the most enduring characters and series in the realm of speculative fiction. His major accomplishment was the creation of the character Tarzan, who first appeared in the novel "Tarzan of the Apes" in 1912. The book was an instant success, leading to a series of 24 sequels and numerous adaptations in film, television, and other media. Burroughs also created the Barsoom series, featuring John Carter, a Civil War veteran who finds himself on Mars. This series, beginning with "A Princess of Mars" in 1912, is credited with influencing the science fiction genre significantly.
Notable Works or Actions
Burroughs' most notable works include the Tarzan series and the Barsoom series, but his literary contributions extend beyond these. He also penned the Pellucidar series, set in a hollow Earth, and the Venus series, which explores adventures on the planet Venus. His ability to craft compelling narratives set in exotic locales captured the imaginations of readers worldwide. Burroughs' works were not only popular in print but also adapted into various media, including radio, comic strips, and films, further cementing his status as a cultural icon.
Impact and Legacy
Edgar Rice Burroughs' impact on literature and popular culture is profound. He is often credited with popularizing the adventure and science fiction genres, paving the way for future writers and filmmakers. His creation of Tarzan became a cultural phenomenon, symbolizing the archetypal "noble savage" and exploring themes of nature versus nurture. The character's influence is evident in countless adaptations and references in popular culture. Burroughs' imaginative worlds and characters have inspired generations of writers, including notable figures like Ray Bradbury and Arthur C. Clarke. His legacy is preserved through the Edgar Rice Burroughs, Inc., a company he founded to manage his literary estate, ensuring that his works continue to captivate audiences.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Edgar Rice Burroughs is widely quoted and remembered for his ability to transport readers to fantastical worlds filled with adventure, romance, and intrigue. His writing style, characterized by vivid descriptions and fast-paced narratives, has left a lasting impression on the literary world. Burroughs' exploration of universal themes such as heroism, identity, and the human condition resonates with readers, making his quotes timeless. His works have been translated into numerous languages, reaching a global audience and solidifying his place as a literary giant. Burroughs' influence extends beyond literature, as his creations have become integral to the fabric of popular culture, ensuring that his legacy endures for future generations to discover and enjoy.
Quotes by Edgar Rice Burroughs
Edgar Rice Burroughs's insights on:
The lion was quite close to him now – but a few paces intervened – he crouched, and then, with a deafening roar, he sprang.
So this was love! I had escaped it for all the years I had roamed the five continents and their encircling seas; in spite of beautiful women and urging opportunity; in spite of a half-desire for love and a constant search for my ideal, it had remained for me to fall furiously and hopelessly in love with a creature from another world, of a species similar possibly, yet not identical with mine.
John!” cried Lady Greystoke, running toward him, “how could I have been mistaken? I-” but the rest of the sentence was lost as Tarzan of the Apes sprang into the room and taking his mate in his arms covered her lips with kisses.
I had learned from Kantos Kan the secret of opening these gates, and in another moment my twenty great fighting men stood within the doomed city of Zodanga.
As a matter of fact I presume I gave little attention to seeking an excuse, for I love a good fight too well to need any other reason for joining in when one is afoot. So.
And what difference does it make, anyway, what you like and what you don’t like? You are here for but an instant, and you mustn’t take yourself too seriously.
I wish to Heaven that I might forget. It would be so much easier than to go through life always remembering what might have been.
Captain Billings,” he drawled finally, “if you will pardon my candor, I might remark that you are something of an ass.