Edgar Burroughs American writer who wrote the story of Tarzan Date of Birth: 01.09.1875 Country: USA

Biography of Edgar Burroughs

Edgar Rice Burroughs was an American writer, best known for his adventure stories, particularly the Tarzan series. Born on September 1, 1875, in Chicago, Illinois, Burroughs grew up in a middle-class family. He was the fourth child in his family, with two older brothers who graduated from Yale University. Burroughs attended Brown School, Maplehurst School for Girls, and then Andover Harvard School.

During his school years, Burroughs developed a deep interest in languages and became fluent in Chinese. This knowledge proved useful in his later explorations and research on Chinese philosophy and porcelain. However, his desire for adventure led him to join the military academy in Michigan after graduating from high school in 1895.

Burroughs' military career did not fulfill his expectations for adventure, as he was stationed at Fort Grant in Arizona, where he experienced the monotonous routine of military life. Within three months, he decided to leave the cavalry and sought the help of his father to secure a transfer. After seven months of bureaucratic procedures, he was finally discharged from the military in March 1897.

Following his discharge, Burroughs worked as a cowboy in Idaho and later took various jobs, including a salesman, police officer in Salt Lake City, clerk in Chicago, and accountant. He even attempted to become a horse riding instructor in China but faced numerous setbacks in his pursuit of excitement and success.

In 1911, at the age of 35, Burroughs found himself struggling to make ends meet and decided to write a fantasy novel. He wrote the novel, titled "Under the Moons of Mars," about a man mysteriously transported to the planet Mars. Burroughs, unsure of its potential success, submitted the manuscript to the magazine "All Story" under the pseudonym "Normal Bean."

To Burroughs' surprise, "All Story" accepted the manuscript and published the novel in six parts from February to July 1912. The story captivated readers with its protagonist, John Carter, a former Confederate Army officer who finds himself in a new world filled with adventure and danger. The success of "Under the Moons of Mars" propelled Burroughs into the literary spotlight.

Inspired by his newfound success, Burroughs continued writing and created his most iconic character, Tarzan. First published in October 1912, "Tarzan of the Apes" became an instant hit and launched Burroughs into literary stardom. The character of Tarzan, a man raised by apes in the African jungle, captured the imagination of readers worldwide.

Burroughs went on to write numerous Tarzan novels, establishing himself as one of the most popular authors of the 20th century. His works were adapted into films, television series, and comic books, ensuring the enduring legacy of Tarzan.

Edgar Rice Burroughs passed away on March 19, 1950, leaving behind a rich and influential body of work. His stories continue to entertain and inspire readers, cementing his place in literary history as a master of adventure fiction.