Tarzan the Terrible
📘 About This Book
Tarzan the Terrible is a novel by American writer Edgar Rice Burroughs, the eighth in his series of books about the title character Tarzan. It was first published as a serial in the pulp magazine Argosy All-Story Weekly in the issues for February 12, 19, and 26 and March 5, 12, 19, and 26, 1921; the first book edition was published in June 1921 by A. C. McClurg. Its setting, Pal-ul-don, is one of the more thoroughly realized "lost civilizations" in Burroughs' Tarzan stories.
📖 Summary
Tarzan the Terrible is the eighth installment in the celebrated series of books featuring the iconic title character Tarzan, written by renowned American author Edgar Rice Burroughs. Originally capturing the imaginations of readers as a serialized adventure published in the pulp magazine Argosy All-Story Weekly across several issues in early 1921, the story quickly transitioned to a formal book edition published by A. C. McClurg in June of that same year. Spanning 282 pages, this gripping narrative takes readers deep into an exotic and thoroughly realized setting known as Pal-ul-don, which stands out as one of the most vividly constructed lost civilizations within the entire Tarzan literary universe. In this expansive world, Burroughs continues his tradition of high-stakes adventure, blending elements of exploration, danger, and the untamed spirit of his legendary protagonist. The book showcases Burroughs' signature style of pacing and world-building, offering a rich tapestry of exotic environments and encounters that test the limits of the titular character. Through its serial origins and eventual book publication, the novel cemented its place in early twentieth-century adventure literature, appealing to fans of serialized fiction and lost world narratives alike. The detailed geography and culture of Pal-ul-don provide a unique backdrop for the unfolding drama, ensuring that the novel remains a memorable chapter in the broader chronological journey of Tarzan. Readers looking for classic adventure fiction will find that this 2020 edition preserves the timeless appeal of Burroughs' original vision, inviting a new generation to explore the hidden corners of the author's imagination. The combination of classic pulp magazine heritage and a well-crafted lost civilization makes this work a fascinating piece of adventure fiction history, reflecting the creative peak of Edgar Rice Burroughs' storytelling prowess.
🎯 Key Lessons
⚖️ Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
Features one of Burroughs' most thoroughly realized lost civilizations.
Rooted in the exciting tradition of classic pulp magazine fiction.
Continues the thrilling adventures of a universally recognized literary icon.
Offers a generous page count of immersive, fast-paced storytelling.
⚠️ Cons
Reflects the older sensibilities and tropes of early twentieth-century pulp literature.
May require familiarity with previous installments to fully appreciate the broader character arcs.
✍️ About the Author
❓ FAQ
Who is the author of Tarzan the Terrible? +
The novel was written by the American author Edgar Rice Burroughs.
What number book in the series is this? +
This is the eighth book in the series about Tarzan.
Where was the story originally published? +
It was first published as a serial in the pulp magazine Argosy All-Story Weekly in early 1921.
What is the main setting of the novel? +
The story is set in Pal-ul-don, one of Burroughs' most thoroughly realized lost civilizations.
When was the first book edition released? +
The first book edition was published in June 1921 by A. C. McClurg.
