Read Edgar Rice Burroughs Books In Order : Every Fan MUST Know!

By Kathy | Last Updated on June 11, 2026

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Edgar Rice Burroughs, a name synonymous with adventure, science fiction, and groundbreaking fantasy, has left an indelible mark on literature. His books, which span multiple genres, have captivated readers for generations, with characters like Tarzan, John Carter, and the princess Dejah Thoris becoming staples of popular culture. Yet, despite their lasting influence, Burroughs’ works are often overshadowed by the very franchises they inspired. However, these stories remain gems of imagination, offering readers a blend of action, daring explorations, and rich world-building. Whether you’re a seasoned reader of classic literature or new to Burroughs’ realm, his books promise a thrilling ride across unfamiliar landscapes.

This article will delve into the fascinating world of Edgar Rice Burroughs’ novels. It will provide an overview of his works, explain the reading order of his books, discuss the personal appeal of his stories, and consider whether you should read them in chronological order or explore them in another fashion. In doing so, we aim to provide a comprehensive guide that allows both newcomers and veterans alike to immerse themselves in the captivating worlds Burroughs created.

List Of Edgar Rice Burroughs Books In Order

More On Edgar Rice Burroughs Books In Chronological Order

1. A Princess of Mars (1912)

This is where it all starts-John Carter, an ex-Confederate soldier, finds himself mysteriously transported to Mars, where he becomes a key figure in the planet’s wars and intrigues. Full of sword fights, giant green Martians, and a captivating love story with the beautiful Dejah Thoris, this book introduces readers to one of the most thrilling and imaginative settings ever created by Burroughs. Imagine being thrust into a completely alien world with gravity so low that you can leap tall buildings in a single bound!

2. The Gods of Mars (1913)

Picking up where ’A Princess of Mars’ left off, John Carter is back on Mars, and this time things are a little darker. He embarks on a journey to rescue his beloved Dejah Thoris from a sinister group of Martian gods. There’s plenty of action, double-crossing, and the discovery of new, dangerous creatures that make Mars an even more mysterious and perilous place. Think of it like a cosmic game of survival with high stakes, and some pretty powerful enemies.

3. The Warlord of Mars (1914)

In this third installment, John Carter must face even greater challenges. He’s not just battling Martian monsters and fighting to free Dejah Thoris; he’s up against the entire Martian political system. The book is an action-packed whirlwind of politics, war, and strange new creatures, with our hero forced to lead a rebellion against the tyrannical rule of the Tharks. Burroughs really ramps up the tension here, throwing in twist after twist to keep you on the edge of your seat.

4. Thuvia, Maid of Mars (1920)

Now, this one shifts gears a little bit, focusing more on Thuvia, a princess of the Martian city of Ptarth, and her abduction by a villainous Thark. It’s still full of action, but the stakes are more personal, and the romantic angle takes center stage. This book deepens the world of Mars with new characters and new conflicts, showing how political intrigue and war can affect the lives of even the royal families. John Carter makes an appearance, but this is really Thuvia’s story to shine.

5. The Chessmen of Mars (1921)

This one is a bit different, in that the action takes place mostly in a chess-like world of Martian culture. Our protagonist, Tara of Helium, finds herself caught in a game where the rules are life and death, with the fate of cities hanging in the balance. It’s one of those books that shows off Burroughs’ creativity at its finest, blending political gamesmanship with physical danger in a way that only he can. Plus, there are a lot of unique, mind-bending challenges to overcome in this strange Martian setting.

6. The Master Mind of Mars (1928)

This book brings in a mix of new faces and old ones, like the genius mastermind Ras Thavas, who has the ability to transplant heads. Yeah, it’s as wild as it sounds. The story dives deep into the consequences of this scientific advancement and the morality of meddling with life and death. This one takes a bit of a darker turn as the action becomes more about manipulating minds and bodies than about straightforward sword fights. There’s definitely a touch of Frankenstein in the air, but with a very Martian twist.

7. A Fighting Man of Mars (1931)

In this one, Burroughs introduces a new hero, Ulysses Paxton, an Earthman transported to Mars, just like John Carter. Ulysses is caught up in the constant wars of Mars and struggles to navigate the brutal political landscape. There’s a new villain to contend with, as well as old foes resurfacing, and Ulysses is forced to fight for survival and for the woman he loves. It’s a solid addition to the series that expands on the idea of Earthmen becoming legends on Mars.

8. John Carter of Mars (1940)

This is a collection of all the previous books in the series with some new material, bringing together the entire saga of John Carter and his Martian adventures. If you’ve been following the story, you’ll see how the plots intertwine, and this book offers a great summary of the entire series. It’s a bit of a retrospective on Carter’s journey, but it still packs in plenty of the action, romance, and world-building that made Burroughs’ writing so captivating in the first place.

9. The Return of Tarzan (1913)

Now we leave Mars and enter the jungle! Tarzan, who’s already made his name as a wild man raised by apes, has returned from the jungle and is trying to integrate himself into ’civilized’ society. However, he quickly realizes that he doesn’t really fit in and is more at home in the wilds of Africa. This sequel picks up on his adventures and new challenges, including a thrilling plot involving betrayal and a dangerous conspiracy. It’s a classic Tarzan tale, full of action, adventure, and the ever-present struggle between civilization and the wild.

10. The Beasts of Tarzan (1914)

Tarzan is back in the thick of things, and this time, he’s dealing with a whole new set of dangers, including jungle beasts, treacherous enemies, and the constant challenge of protecting his family. This book delves deeper into Tarzan’s relationship with his wife, Jane, and their son, while also introducing new characters and dangers that keep the adventure fresh. The tension between Tarzan’s primal instincts and his desire to live peacefully with his loved ones creates an emotional core to the story.

11. The Son of Tarzan (1915)

Tarzan’s son, Jack, is all grown up and is now making his own mark in the jungle. However, the challenges and perils of the wild are never far behind. This one focuses a lot on the next generation, showing how the legacy of Tarzan is passed down, and how Jack has to navigate his own adventures, discovering what it means to be ’Tarzan’s son’ while fighting off villains, wild beasts, and personal doubts. It’s a nice continuation of the story, with a focus on the family aspect and the idea of inheritance-both physical and moral.

12. Tarzan and the Jewels of Opar (1916)

Tarzan returns to the lost city of Opar, where he’s confronted with both old enemies and new treasures. This book dives deeper into Tarzan’s exploration of the ’civilized’ world versus his primal instincts. There’s also a mysterious treasure hidden in the ruins of Opar, which sets the stage for a series of deadly encounters. If you’ve enjoyed Tarzan’s previous adventures, you’ll love this one, which showcases the danger and allure of the jungle, combined with the excitement of hidden riches and ancient mysteries.

Background On Edgar Rice Burroughs Books

Edgar Rice Burroughs (1875-1950) was a prolific American author, best known for his creation of iconic characters and worlds that have inspired generations of readers, filmmakers, and artists. Burroughs’ writing style evolved over the years, but it consistently showcased his mastery of escapist fiction. His books are often a blend of adventure, romance, science fiction, and elements of fantasy, all set against vividly imagined backdrops.

Perhaps Burroughs’ most famous creation is Tarzan of the Apes, the story of a boy raised by gorillas in the African jungle. First published in 1912, Tarzan became a cultural phenomenon, appearing in 24 novels and inspiring countless adaptations in film, television, and comic books. His portrayal of a man who bridges the gap between human civilization and primal instincts resonated with readers and made Burroughs a household name.

Alongside Tarzan, Burroughs created another unforgettable figure-John Carter, the protagonist of the Barsoom series. John Carter’s adventures on Mars (or Barsoom, as it’s known in the series) are considered some of the earliest and most influential works of science fiction, blending swashbuckling adventure with science-fantasy elements that have since influenced everything from Star Wars to Dune.

But Burroughs didn’t stop at just these two series. He was a tireless creator, and his bibliography extends across a wide variety of sub-genres. His works include Pellucidar, a series about a hidden prehistoric world at the Earth’s core; The Venus series, set on the planet Venus, with stories of strange alien life; and The Land that Time Forgot, a series that blends adventure with dinosaurs and forgotten lands.

Over the span of his career, Burroughs authored 80 novels and numerous short stories, solidifying himself as one of the preeminent writers of adventure fiction in the 20th century. His influence on the genre is profound, often cited by later writers like J.R.R. Tolkien, Ray Bradbury, and Robert E. Howard.

Reading Order Explained

Burroughs’ expansive universe is interconnected, with many of his series existing in shared continuities, and characters crossing over from one narrative to another. Given the sheer breadth of his works, deciding on a reading order can be somewhat confusing. Should one start with Tarzan? Or perhaps the Barsoom series is the best introduction? In this section, we’ll break down the recommended reading order for Burroughs’ books, depending on your preferences.

1. The Tarzan Series

   • Tarzan of the Apes (1912) – The beginning of it all. This is the origin story of Tarzan, a young boy raised in the wilds of Africa. It introduces readers to the iconic figure and sets the stage for his adventures.
   • The Return of Tarzan (1913) – Continuing Tarzan’s journey, this book takes him from Africa to the world of high society and reintroduces him to the jungle and the challenges of civilization.
   • The Beasts of Tarzan (1914) – Tarzan faces a new set of challenges and his battles with men and beasts intensify.
   • The Son of Tarzan (1915) – The story shifts to Tarzan’s son, Jack, as he ventures into the jungle, continuing the legacy of his father.

   The Tarzan series consists of 24 novels in total, with the first dozen being the most popular. Although the series doesn’t necessarily need to be read in strict chronological order, reading them in sequence allows for the natural progression of Tarzan’s character development and his interactions with both the human world and the jungle.

2. The Barsoom (John Carter) Series

   • A Princess of Mars (1912) – The first novel in the Barsoom series, where John Carter, a Confederate soldier, is transported to Mars and becomes embroiled in the political and military struggles of the planet’s inhabitants.
   • The Gods of Mars (1913) – The story continues with John Carter’s adventures as he seeks to rescue his love, Dejah Thoris, and navigate the ancient intrigues of Mars.
   • The Warlord of Mars (1914) – In the third book, Carter’s struggles intensify, and the stakes are raised for his efforts to free Mars from its ancient rulers.

   The Barsoom series spans 11 books, and while there is a clear narrative thread, the series doesn’t always have to be read in order to enjoy it. However, following the chronological sequence helps to appreciate the progression of both the character of John Carter and the ever-expanding Martian world.

3. Other Notable Series

   • The Pellucidar Series – This is a series of novels set in a hollow Earth beneath the surface of our planet. The first book, At the Earth’s Core (1914), introduces readers to the hidden world where prehistoric creatures and savage tribes exist.
   • The Venus Series – This series is centered around the planet Venus and its strange, alien inhabitants. Pirates of Venus (1934) is the first of these novels, which introduce a highly imaginative world of adventure.

4. Standalone Novels

   Burroughs also wrote numerous standalone novels like The Land That Time Forgot (1918), a story about a lost world of dinosaurs and ancient civilizations, and Jungle Girl (1932), a thrilling tale of exploration and survival. These can be read at any time but are often considered tangential to his primary series.

What I Like About The Series?

There is much to admire in Burroughs’ writing, and the charm of his works lies in their timeless appeal. The action is relentless, the stakes are high, and the heroes are larger than life. But what truly sets Burroughs apart is his ability to blend the fantastical with the plausible. His worlds, whether on Earth, Mars, or a prehistoric realm beneath the surface of the planet, feel vivid and real.

The Tarzan series stands out for its exploration of the duality of human nature. Tarzan, as a character, is both part man and part beast. His internal struggle between civilization and his primal instincts resonates with readers, inviting them to question what it means to be human. The Barsoom series, on the other hand, is a high-octane mix of sword fights, alien politics, and sweeping romance. The depth of Mars’ civilizations, its strange creatures, and its relentless conflicts make for an endlessly exciting world to explore.

What I find most enjoyable about Burroughs’ works is their optimism. In a world that often dwells on pessimism and despair, his stories are refreshingly adventurous, with a clear sense of right and wrong. His protagonists are not perfect, but they are always motivated by a sense of honor, justice, and loyalty-qualities that make them easy to root for.

Should You Read Edgar Rice Burroughs Books In Order?

This depends largely on the type of reading experience you want. If you’re a reader who enjoys following a character’s development in real-time and discovering the world in the order it was intended, reading the books in their published order might be the best approach. For Tarzan and John Carter, where the relationships and world-building unfold over multiple books, reading in order is highly recommended.

However, for those looking for a less chronological experience, many of Burroughs’ works stand on their own, especially in the case of the Pellucidar or Venus series. These can be approached independently, allowing for a more fragmented experience of Burroughs’ universe.