The Mad King

Written by Edgar Rice Burroughs

Narrated by LibriVox Community

Shades of The Prisoner of Zenda! All our old friends are here-the young king, the usurping uncle and his evil henchman, the beautiful princess, the loyal retainer and the unwilling imposter. What more could you Hope for? This fast-paced story stays far away from Tarzan’s jungle or the inner world of Pellucidar. (Summary by Delmar H Dolbier)

• Language: English
• Publisher: LibriVox
• Release date: Aug 25, 2014

Edgar Rice Burroughs

Edgar Rice Burroughs, born on September 1, 1875, in Chicago, Illinois, is best known as the creator of the iconic character Tarzan, the lord of the jungle. Burroughs' life was as adventurous as the tales he penned. Before finding literary success, he tried his hand at various professions, including a cowboy, gold miner, and even an unsuccessful businessman. These diverse experiences greatly influenced his writing, imbuing his stories with a sense of authenticity and adventure that captivated readers. Burroughs' breakthrough came in 1912 with the publication of "Tarzan of the Apes" in a pulp magazine. The novel was an instant hit, leading to a series of 24 sequels and establishing Tarzan as a cultural phenomenon. The Tarzan series not only entertained readers but also reflected contemporary fascinations with the exotic, the unknown, and the primitive. At the time, American society was grappling with rapid industrialization and urbanization, and Tarzan's jungle adventures offered an escape to a simpler, more primal world. Burroughs' work, however, was not without controversy. Critics have noted that the Tarzan stories often perpetuate colonialist and racist stereotypes, reflecting the prejudices of their time. Despite this, Burroughs' influence on the adventure genre is undeniable. His vivid storytelling and imaginative worlds inspired countless writers and filmmakers, cementing his legacy in popular culture. The author's personal life was equally colorful. He married twice and had three children, with his family life often mirroring the tumult of his professional endeavors. During World War II, Burroughs, then in his late 60s, served as a war correspondent in the Pacific, showcasing his enduring sense of adventure. Understanding Burroughs' significance requires situating him within the broader historical and cultural trends of the early 20th century. This was a period marked by a fascination with exploration and a growing interest in psychology and the human psyche, themes that Burroughs deftly wove into his narratives. Moreover, his work prefigured the rise of the modern superhero, with Tarzan's superhuman abilities and moral code laying the groundwork for characters like Superman and Batman. In today's context, Burroughs' work can be seen through a critical lens that acknowledges both its imaginative appeal and its problematic aspects. Modern readers might find value in exploring how his stories reflect the complexities of their time while also considering how these narratives can be reinterpreted to resonate with contemporary values of diversity and inclusivity. The enduring popularity of Tarzan attests to the timeless allure of adventure and the human fascination with the natural world. In sum, Edgar Rice Burroughs was a man of his era whose works continue to captivate and provoke thought. His life and literature offer a lens through which to explore early 20th-century American culture, the evolution of the adventure genre, and the enduring human quest for meaning and heroism in an ever-changing world.