Edgar Rice Burroughs

NAME Edgar Rice Burroughs

WHAT FAMOUS FOR Edgar Rice Burroughs is famous for creating the character Tarzan and the series of novels set on Mars featuring John Carter.

BIRTH Edgar Rice Burroughs was born on September 1, 1875, in Chicago, Illinois, USA.

FAMILY BACKGROUND Burroughs was the fourth son of Major George Tyler Burroughs, a Civil War veteran and businessman, and Mary Evaline Burroughs (née Zieger).

CHILDHOOD Edgar Rice Burroughs grew up in a relatively affluent family, enjoying a comfortable upbringing in the bustling city of Chicago. He described himself as a restless and imaginative child.

EDUCATION Burroughs attended several schools: the Brown School, Miss Coolie's Maplehurst School for Girls (due to a diphtheria epidemic), the Harvard School, Phillips Andover, and the Michigan Military Academy. He was a mediocre student and failed his examination for West Point.

CAREER RECORD Burroughs worked in various jobs after his discharge from the army, including as a cowboy on a ranch in Idaho, a gold miner, a railroad policeman, and a stationery salesman. He began writing in 1911 and his writing career took off in 1912 with the serialization of his science fantasy story Under the Moons of Mars (later published as A Princess of Mars), 

APPEARANCE Burroughs was of slightly above average height with dark hair and a robust build. He had a prominent nose and expressive eyes, often seen with a serious expression.

Edgar Rice Burroughs

FASHION Burroughs favored practical and comfortable clothing, often seen in suits when attending formal events, and more casual, rugged attire suitable for his various outdoor activities.

CHARACTER Edgar Rice Burroughs was known for his imagination, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit. He was also known to be a generous and caring individual.

SENSE OF HUMOUR While Edgar Rice Burroughs' writing isn't known for slapstick or overt comedy, his characters often engage in witty banter and lighthearted moments.  His narratives sometimes employ a sense of irony, particularly when civilized characters encounter the "primitive" in his stories.

RELATIONSHIPS He was married twice, first to his childhood sweetheart Emma Centennia Hulbert in 1900, with whom he had three children. Their third and last child, John Coleman Burroughs (1913–1979), became known for his illustrations of his father's books.

Burroughs divorced Emma in 1934, and, in 1935, married the former actress Florence Gilbert Dearholt, who was the former wife of a friend. They divorced in 1941. 

MONEY AND FAME Burroughs achieved considerable financial success and fame due to the popularity of his novels, particularly the Tarzan series, which were adapted into various media forms. In 1916, he received a then-record $5,000 cash advance for the film rights to Tarzan of the Apes.

FOOD AND DRINK Burroughs enjoyed simple, hearty meals. He was not known for being particularly indulgent in food or drink, preferring moderation.

MUSIC AND ARTS Though not a musician or artist himself, Burroughs appreciated the arts and often included detailed descriptions of music and cultural elements in his works.

LITERATURE Burroughs was an avid reader, drawing inspiration from adventure novels, pulp fiction, and the emerging science fiction genre. His own works have become classics of American literature and have sold hundreds of millions of copies in over thirty languages..

After leaving military college, Burroughs embarked on a series of what can only be described as "odd jobs. By 1911, he was hawking stationery, then, in a twist worthy of a pulp fiction masterpiece, Burroughs started writing. His first story? A tale about a feral child raised by apes in the African jungle. You might have heard of it. It was called Tarzan of the Apes, and it rocketed Burroughs to literary superstardom.

Burroughs wrote 26 Tarzan books. The success was phenomenal and Tarzan swung from the written word to the silver screen, raking in millions at the box office. Burroughs even named his California ranch "Tarzana" – a name that stuck when a whole town sprouted up around it.

Tarzan's first appearance, in the October 1912 issue of The All-Story

Burroughs wasn't a one-trick pony. He also penned a series about life on Mars, featuring the dashing hero John Carter,  the Pellucidar series, the Amtor series, and the Caspak trilogy.

He passed away in 1950, leaving behind a legacy of fantastical adventures that have captivated readers for generations

NATURE Burroughs had a deep appreciation for nature, which is evident in his vivid descriptions of the wild and untamed landscapes in his novels.

PETS He was fond of animals and had several pets throughout his life, including dogs that he often mentioned in his personal letters.  His love for animals is reflected in his creation of Tarzan, who communicates with and understands animals.

HOBBIES AND SPORTS Burroughs enjoyed horseback riding, fencing, and was an enthusiastic supporter of physical fitness. He also liked spending time outdoors, engaging in activities like hiking and hunting.

Burroughs became a pilot in the 1920s and encouraged his family to learn to fly.

SCIENCE AND MATHS While not particularly noted for his expertise in science and math, Burroughs showed a keen interest in the emerging fields of space exploration and aeronautics, which influenced his writing.

PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY Burroughs was not overtly religious, but his works often explore themes of morality, justice, and the human condition, reflecting his philosophical musings.

Burroughs' ideas about race and heredity influenced his writing, with Tarzan embodying a particular vision of strength and superiority. These views are considered outdated and offensive by today's standards.

POLITICS He had conservative political views and was a vocal supporter of the United States' efforts in World War II, even serving as a war correspondent in the Pacific theater.

SCANDAL Burroughs' life was relatively scandal-free, though his divorce from his second wife, Florence, attracted some public attention.

MILITARY RECORD Burroughs served briefly with the 7th U.S. Cavalry and later joined the Illinois National Guard. During World War II, he was one of the oldest war correspondents, covering the conflict in the Pacific.

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS Burroughs remained active and physically fit well into his later years, advocating for a healthy lifestyle.

HOMES Burroughs was a man of many addresses. Throughout his life, he lived in various locations across the United States. These included Chicago, where he was born, Idaho during his unsuccessful business ventures, and California where he found literary success. The California town of Tarzana was even named after his most famous creation, Tarzan.

TRAVEL Burroughs traveled extensively, both within the United States and internationally, often drawing inspiration from his travels for his novels. However, despite writing a whopping 26 Tarzan books he never set foot in Africa

DEATH Burroughs died alone in his Encino, California, home on March 19, 1950, aged 74, after suffering a heart attack. He spent his last hour alive reading the Sunday comics in bed.

APPEARANCES IN MEDIA  Burroughs' legacy lives on through the numerous adaptations of his works.  His iconic characters, Tarzan and John Carter, have been portrayed in countless films, television shows, and comic books. 

ACHIEVEMENTS Burroughs authored over 70 novels, created iconic characters and fictional worlds, and left a lasting legacy in the genres of adventure and science fiction.