Edgar Rice Burroughs’ highly acclaimed book, Tarzan of the Apes was published by A.C. McClurg and Co. after it was rejected by almost all book publishers. It became the best-selling USA book of 1914 and was the first of 24 books in the series written by Burroughs, followed by several novels either co-written by Burroughs or officially authorized by his estate. [1]
Edgar Rice Burroughs was an American writer best known for creating one of the most successful fictional characters to this day – the jungle hero, Tarzan. He died of a heart attack on 19 March 1950.
After failing in almost all the jobs and ventures he attempted, Burroughs turned to writing in his late 30s and first found success in 1912 with the serialised publication of his story Under the Moons of Mars in the pulp magazine All-Story Magazine. Two years later his masterpiece was published. Tarzan of the Apes, introduced the character of Tarzan, a man raised by apes in the African jungle. The novel was an immediate success, and Burroughs went on to write over 20 more Tarzan books. In the 1930s, former Olympic swimmer Johnny Weissmuller began playing Tarzan in the film versions. Weissmuller perfected the “Tarzan yell,” and his portrayal of the character became a sensation.
Burroughs was a prolific writer and produced more than 70 novels in his career. He was known for his fast-paced, action-packed writing style, which kept readers engaged and entertained. He was also a shrewd businessman and managed his own publishing company, which allowed him to maintain control over his work and reap the benefits of its success. His novels have been translated into numerous languages and adapted into movies, television shows, and other forms of media, cementing his legacy as one of the most popular and influential writers of the 20th century.
In his later years, Edgar Rice Burroughs continued to write and publish novels, although his output slowed down somewhat as he faced various health issues. He died of a heart attack at the age of 74 at his home in California and was cremated according to his wishes. The ashes were eventually buried beneath a large walnut tree in the front of his office in Tarzana, California, which is named after the character he created.