Edgar Rice Burroughs: A Study of the Master of Adventure

Richard A. Lupoff’s Edgar Rice Burroughs: Master of Adventure provides an extensive examination of the life and literary impact of the creator of Tarzan and John Carter. The text positions Burroughs as a prolific author who crafted superhuman characters and intricate fantasy worlds like Barsoom and Pellucidar to entertain both adults and children. Lupoff explores potential literary influences on Burroughs, such as the works of Edwin Lester Arnold, and highlights his transition from a frustrated daydreamer to a successful self-publisher. The biography also recounts Burroughs' personal history, including his time as a war correspondent during World War II and his eventual move to Tarzana, California. Ultimately, the source credits Burroughs with popularizing the scientific romance genre and inspiring generations of subsequent adventure writers.