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Cover of The illustrated Tarzan book no. 1 : $b Picturized from the novel Tarzan of the apes

The illustrated Tarzan book no. 1 : $b Picturized from the novel Tarzan of the apes

Written by Edgar Rice Burroughs

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About this book

"The illustrated Tarzan book no. 1 : Picturized from the novel Tarzan of the…" by Edgar Rice Burroughs is a pictorial adaptation of a classic adventure novel, created during the late 1920s to early 20th century. This book belongs to the genre of adventure fiction and is notable for its extensive use of illustrations—about 300 in total—to bring the story to life in a strip or graphic form. The narrative follows the legendary origins and early life of Tarzan, a young English lord raised by apes in the African jungle, highlighting themes of survival, identity, and the clash between nature and civilization. The story recounts how Lord and Lady Greystoke, stranded by mutinous sailors in the jungle, meet their fate, leaving their infant son to be adopted by Kala, a gentle ape. Growing up as "Tarzan," the boy learns the ways of the wild, discovering his human lineage through the abandoned cabin and teaching himself to read and write. The plot traces his coming-of-age among the apes, his encounters and conflicts with jungle animals and native tribes, and his eventual meeting with Jane Porter and other castaways. Romantic tension develops between Tarzan and Jane as he repeatedly saves her, navigating the divide between his wild upbringing and human origins. The narrative culminates in Tarzan's discovery of his noble birth, his selfless decision to safeguard Jane’s happiness—even at the cost of his own—and his return to his beloved African home, weaving together adventure, romance, and a search for belonging.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in The illustrated Tarzan book no. 1 : $b Picturized from the novel Tarzan of the apes, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 5 hours
  • intermediate
  • adventurous
  • romantic
  • wild

Edgar Rice Burroughs's "The illustrated Tarzan book no. 1" is a pioneering pictorial adaptation of the classic adventure novel "Tarzan of the Apes," created in the late 1920s to early 20th century. Utilizing approximately 300 illustrations in a strip or graphic form, it vividly recounts the legendary origins of Tarzan, an English lord orphaned in the African jungle and raised by apes. The narrative explores his unique coming-of-age, his discovery of human heritage, and his eventual encounters with civilization, particularly Jane Porter. It masterfully blends thrilling adventure with themes of identity, survival, and the profound clash between the wild and the civilized world, culminating in a poignant decision regarding his future.

"I am Tarzan, Lord of the Jungle!"

Key themes

Nature vs. Civilization
This is the core thematic tension of the book. Tarzan, born into civilization but raised by nature, embodies the conflict between primal instinct and societal norms, wild freedom and ordered existence. The jungle represents raw, unbridled life, while the arrival of Jane and other humans introduces the complexities, hypocrisies, and allure of the 'civilized' world.
Identity and Belonging
Tarzan's journey is fundamentally a quest for self-identity. Raised as an ape, he gradually discovers his human lineage, leading to an internal struggle about who he truly is and where he belongs. He feels like an outsider in both the ape world and the human world, seeking a place where his unique nature can be fully understood and accepted.
Survival and Adaptation
The harsh realities of jungle life demand constant adaptation and a fierce will to survive. Tarzan's development is a testament to the power of adaptation, as he not only survives but thrives in an unforgiving environment, mastering its challenges and becoming its undisputed lord.

Worth discussing

How does the pictorial adaptation format enhance or detract from the original novel's narrative and thematic depth?

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