Tarzan of the Apes (1912) A noble-born infant is orphaned in the African jungle and raised by apes, growing into a powerful yet conflicted figure torn between civilization and the wild. Author: Edgar Rice Burroughs Illustrator: Fred J. Arting Cover Artist: Fred J. Arting Published by: A. C. McClurg Publication Date: October 1912 (serialized), June 1914 (novel) Pages: Approximately 400 Genres: Adventure, Fantasy, Classic Fiction ------------------------------------------------------------ Synopsis - John and Alice Clayton, Viscount and Lady Greystoke, are marooned in the African jungle in 1888. - After their tragic deaths, their infant son is adopted by Kala, a she-ape, and named Tarzan ("White Skin" in the ape language). - Tarzan grows up among the apes, developing extraordinary strength and intelligence. - He discovers his parents’ abandoned cabin and teaches himself to read using their books. - As he matures, Tarzan encounters a native tribe, learning human customs while remaining an outsider. - A new group of castaways arrives, including Jane Porter, the first white woman Tarzan has ever seen. - Tarzan rescues Jane, forming an intense bond, but struggles with his identity as both man and beast. - The novel follows Tarzan’s journey from jungle king to a man torn between two worlds. ------------------------------------------------------------ Key Themes & Highlights - Nature vs. Civilization – Tarzan wrestles with his dual identity, raised by apes yet drawn to human society. - Survival & Strength – The novel explores Tarzan’s physical prowess and his ability to adapt to any challenge. - Romance & Identity – Tarzan’s love for Jane Porter forces him to confront his human heritage. - Classic Adventure – A thrilling tale of exploration, danger, and self-discovery. ------------------------------------------------------------ Trivia - Originally published in The All-Story magazine in 1912 before becoming a novel in 1914. - Spawned over two dozen sequels, solidifying Tarzan as a pop culture icon. - Inspired numerous films, comics, and adaptations, shaping the jungle hero archetype. - The novel’s themes of heredity, racial superiority, and escapism have been widely analyzed. ------------------------------------------------------------ Hashtags #TarzanOfTheApes #EdgarRiceBurroughs #ClassicAdventure #JungleHero #JanePorter #LiteraryIcon #PublicDomainBook #TarzanSeries #ClassicFiction