Edgar Rice Burroughs

Edgar Rice Burroughs Biography

Edgar Rice Burroughs (September 1, 1875 – March 19, 1950) was an American writer best known for his prolific output in the adventure, science fiction, and fantasy genres. Born in Chicago, Illinois, he was the fourth son of Major George Tyler Burroughs, a Civil War veteran, and his wife, Mary Evaline (Zieger) Burroughs. Edgar's middle name was derived from his paternal grandmother, Mary Coleman Rice Burroughs.

Burroughs attended several public and private schools before graduating from Michigan Military Academy in 1895. He briefly served as a soldier in the Seventh U.S. Cavalry but was discharged due to health issues. Over the next decade, he held various jobs, including cowboy, shopkeeper, railroad policeman, and gold miner, but found little success in these ventures.

In 1911, while working as a pencil-sharpener wholesaler, Burroughs began writing fiction. His first story, Under the Moons of Mars, was serialized in The All-Story Magazine in 1912. The same year, he introduced the world to Tarzan with Tarzan of the Apes, which became an instant success and led to a series of 24 books. Burroughs also created the character John Carter, featured in the Barsoom series set on Mars, and penned other series like Pellucidar and Amtor.

In 1919, Burroughs purchased a large ranch in California, which he named Tarzana; the community that developed around it later adopted the same name. During World War II, despite being in his late sixties, he served as a war correspondent in the South Pacific, making him one of the oldest correspondents to cover the war.

Burroughs passed away on March 19, 1950, in Encino, California. His works have been translated into numerous languages, and his characters, especially Tarzan, have become enduring icons in popular culture.

Trivia About Edgar Rice Burroughs

• Burroughs was working as a pencil-sharpener wholesaler when he first started writing his Tarzan novels.
• In 1923, he set up his own company—Edgar Rice Burroughs, Inc.—and began printing his own books.
• During World War II, he became the oldest war correspondent for the United States, covering the South Pacific theater.
• The city of Tarzana, California, where Burroughs spent the last years of his life, was named in honor of his most famous creation, Tarzan.

Famous Quotes by Edgar Rice Burroughs

• "Imagination is but another name for super intelligence."
• "I write to escape; to escape poverty."

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who was Edgar Rice Burroughs?

Edgar Rice Burroughs was an American author renowned for his adventure, science fiction, and fantasy novels. He is best known for creating iconic characters like Tarzan and John Carter.

What are some of his notable works?

Some of Burroughs's notable works include the Tarzan series, the Barsoom series (featuring John Carter), the Pellucidar series, and the Amtor series.

What themes did Burroughs explore in his writings?

Burroughs's writings often explored themes of adventure, heroism, and the clash of civilizations, set against exotic and imaginative backdrops.

Related Literary Movements

Edgar Rice Burroughs is associated with early science fiction and adventure pulp literature, influencing numerous authors with his imaginative storytelling and creation of enduring characters.

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