TRAILBLAZER The Autobiography of Tarzan's Creator Hardcover

In commemoration of the 150th anniversary of Edgar Rice Burroughs’ birth, ERB Inc, presents Trailblazer: The Autobiography of Tarzan’s Creator. This 20,000-word “Autobiography,” dictated by Burroughs at the prompting of his new book publisher in 1929 for the purposes of promotion, has never before seen print and details in the author's own words, the life of the Master of Adventure from his birth to 1914. It's a compelling, insightful, and often humorous and self-deprecating account of the man who singlehandedly transformed popular culture with his iconic creations. Burroughs writes of his days as a schoolboy in Chicago and a cowboy in Idaho; his trials and triumphs as a cadet in the Michigan Military Academy; his service in the 7th U.S. Cavalry chasing the notorious outlaw the Apache Kid in the mountains of the Arizona Territory; and his struggles as a young husband, father, and fledgling businessman. The “Autobiography” concludes with Edgar Rice Burroughs’ ultimate achievement: the creation of the immortal Tarzan of the Apes and John Carter of Mars, the beloved heroes of his tales of adventure and romance that forever imprinted his presence on global culture. Trailblazer sheds light on Burroughs the Man, showing both his doubts and his courage in the face of adversity. Moreover, it counters oft told and misleading narratives about his views on race, illustrating his sympathetic feelings and respect for the Indigenous peoples he encountered in the American Southwest, and his high opinion of a regiment of Black soldiers quartered at Fort Grant, Arizona, beside and under whom he served while in the cavalry. Supplementing the “Autobiography” is a 20,000-word profile of the illustrious author by noted ERB scholar Henry G. Franke III, picking up where Burroughs’ firsthand account leaves off and covering the remainder of his life and career. Trailblazer is rounded out by 17 essays by Edgar Rice Burroughs on his extraordinary life and groundbreaking career, including four previously unpublished travelogues written with all his trademark wit, humor, and engaging literary style: “The Mono Creek Trip,” “Notes on the Trip to Mono Creek and Porpoise Lake,” “The Eleven-Year Itch,” and “The Death Valley Expedition of the Intrepid Thirty-Three-ers.” The book also features copious rare photographs and illustrations from ERB, Inc.’s archives in Tarzana, California, and includes heartfelt forewords by two of Edgar Rice Burroughs’ great-granddaughters, Kathleen Bonnaud and Llana Jane Burroughs, as well as an illuminating introduction by Henry G. Franke III. Trailblazer: The Autobiography of Tarzan’s Creator offers a rare glimpse into the mind of one of the world’s most popular and beloved authors and will be enjoyed by fans of his fantastical tales, students of literature and history, and anyone interested in reading the captivating life story of a unique and creative soul. All of our copies of Trailblazer each include an exclusive collectible Trading Card featuring a specially colorized photograph of Edgar Rice Burroughs from his time as a cadet in the Michigan Military Academy in 1895. Available while supplies last!