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Cover of The People That Time Forgot

The People That Time Forgot

Written by Edgar Rice Burroughs

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About this book

"The People That Time Forgot" by Edgar Rice Burroughs is a science fiction novel written in the early 20th century. The story serves as a sequel to "At the Earth's Core" and follows characters navigating a prehistoric world filled with dinosaurs and primitive tribes on a lost island. The narrative centers around Bowen Tyler, Jr., who is determined to find and rescue his friends and keep them alive in this treacherous environment, alongside a captivating female character named Ajor. The beginning of the novel introduces the aftermath of a maritime disaster, where Bowen Tyler, Jr., is presumed lost along with a young woman named Miss La Rue. The story unfolds as a friend of Bowen seeks to deliver his manuscript to his father while grappling with doubts about its authenticity. As they discuss the bizarre and dangerous events described in the manuscript, they decide to undertake a perilous journey to the mysterious island of Caprona. The tale quickly sets a thrilling pace, describing the ensueing adventures as characters confront the bizarre flora and fauna of Caspak, including fearsome prehistoric creatures, and navigates the complexities of human survival in a hostile world. The narrative highlights themes of bravery, loyalty, and the struggle for survival against overwhelming odds.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in The People That Time Forgot, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 8 hours
  • intermediate
  • adventurous
  • mysterious
  • thrilling

Edgar Rice Burroughs's "The People That Time Forgot" is a thrilling adventure novella that plunges readers into the lost world of Caspak, a prehistoric island where evolution unfolds at an accelerated pace, resulting in a dangerous landscape populated by dinosaurs and various stages of human development. Narrated primarily through the recovered journal of Bowen Tyler, the story follows his desperate attempts to rescue the captured Lys La Rue and navigate the perils of this anachronistic land. It is a classic tale of survival, exploration, and romance set against a backdrop of primeval savagery, blending science fiction with high adventure.

I am Bowen Tyler, and if this finds its way to civilization, I want it known that I died a man, though a fool.

Key themes

Survival and Adaptation
The most pervasive theme, exploring how humans, stripped of modern conveniences, must revert to primal instincts to survive in a brutally unforgiving environment. It examines the limits of human endurance and adaptability.
Evolution and Primitivism
Caspak itself is a unique laboratory for evolution, where different stages of life exist concurrently. The theme explores the concept of human development, from ape-like ancestors to more 'advanced' tribes, and questions what truly constitutes 'civilization' versus 'savagery'.
The Call of the Wild / Lost Worlds
This theme explores the allure and terror of uncharted territories and the unknown. It taps into the human desire for exploration and discovery, as well as the fear of being truly isolated from civilization.

Worth discussing

How does Burroughs's concept of accelerated evolution in Caspak challenge or reinforce common understandings of natural selection?

Chapter-by-chapter breakdowns, character arcs and the full thematic analysis come with a free account.

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