Soon after the American Civil War, Confederate soldier John Carter joins the gold rush in Arizona. After striking a vein of gold, Carter runs into trouble with the natives of the area. In attempts to evade their pursuit, Carter hides in a cave, unaware of its magical properties. Mysteriously, Carter is transported to Mars, which the planet inhabitants call "Barsoom". When Carter discovers that the gravity difference between Mars and Earth has granted him powers of extraordinary strength, he uses his ability to rise among ...
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Soon after the American Civil War, Confederate soldier John Carter joins the gold rush in Arizona. After striking a vein of gold, Carter runs into trouble with the natives of the area. In attempts to evade their pursuit, Carter hides in a cave, unaware of its magical properties. Mysteriously, Carter is transported to Mars, which the planet inhabitants call "Barsoom". When Carter discovers that the gravity difference between Mars and Earth has granted him powers of extraordinary strength, he uses his ability to rise among the ranks of a tribe named the Tharks. However, when a group of Tharks kidnap Dejah, a princess, Carter feels obligated to save her. Promising to return her to her people, Carter helps Dejah escape, unintentionally becoming involved in political turmoil while he falls in love with the princess. When an opposing force plans to invade Dejah's home city, Carter leads an army to fight back, risking his life for the woman he loves. With high adventure, intense action, and fantasy, A Princess of Mars by Edgar Rice Burroughs is a classic example of 20th century pulp fiction. Set in the harsh environment of a dying planet, A Princess of Mars is a highly imaginative work that captures the minds of readers while entertaining with its adventure and romance. First published just over one hundred years ago in 1912, A Princess of Mars has remained a fan favorite of the series, inspiring film adaptations, including one produced by Walt Disney Pictures titled John Carter. This edition of A Princess of Mars by Edgar Rice Burroughs features a new, eye-catching cover design and is printed in an easy-to-read font. With these accommodations, A Princess of Mars caters to a modern audience while preserving the original wonder and adventure of Edgar Rice Burroughs' work.
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I saw the movie John Carter and found the idea intriguing. So I picked up this book and Wow what a Great Fun read! The story is fairly simple and straight forward, but Burroughs has a Great gift for describing unique races telling you about there civilization, religion, philosophy and pets and recreation. It is a short book but has pieces of a love story an old school adventure and a sociological study of Man. I had a Great time reading it!
LISA M
Sep 8, 2011
Rather dated
This book was written a long time ago and reads like it. The adventure in the book is slow paced. This was not a "page turner" read. I've had the book for weeks and still haven't managed to finish it. Disney had a lot of updating to do when "John Carter" the movie was put together.
LKSSR
May 28, 2010
read the book
I was not aware Edgar Rice Burroughs had written books other than Tarzan so when I found out a movie is being made based on his "Barsoon" books I ordered the set to read before the movie comes out next year.
JayJ
Jul 6, 2008
greatest science fantasy ever
This is where science fantasy really started with Edgar rice Burroughs' first entry into his just famous Mars (or Barsoom) series, featuring a superman hero, a beautiful princess, literal hordes of truly alien aliens, and a wonderful world. This is the stuff dreams are made of, and ERB does not stint. The series continued for ten more volumes in of the justly most famous and influential series of books ever. Impossible to recommend more highly.
bookishwench
Jun 17, 2008
Best of the Best
One of the best examples of the genre, from one of the greatest science-fantasy writers of all time. Sure, Burroughs glosses over any difficulty he may have with plot, making parts of the book a stretch to even the most willing suspension of disbelief, but the result is a ripping-good tale of the red planet. You'll want to read the whole series! And you ought to.
