Favorite Fiction: A Princess of Mars by Edgar Rice Burroughs

“I have ever been prone to seek adventure and to investigate and experiment where wiser men would have left well enough alone.”

Though A Princess of Mars isn’t ERB’s most successful work, it is still one of the many great pulp sci-fi stories in history. Burroughs has influenced many prolific writers over the years, spanning various styles and genres, and the reason why is clear. He spins intriguing and masterful yarns that are rich in adventure, romance, fun, and strong, unique characters.
​
Some may view the main protagonist, John Carter, as a bit of a Gary Stu, but I doubt that was Burroughs intention. A Princess of Mars and other similar stories of the time were written to be fantasy-filled journeys in which the reader could escape and find adventure alongside heroic protagonists like John Carter. 

While fantastical in invention, Burroughs gives plausible reasons for John Carter’s success. The lower gravity on Mars, or Barsoom as the Martians call it, combined with John Carter’s seasoned soldier physique, makes him significantly stronger and more agile. This, and his ability to quickly adapt physically and mentally to the Martian environment, puts him at a great advantage. Just as with any of ERB’s other stories, A Princess of Mars is well-written, well-paced, and does not fail to wholly entertain. 

Read More