Edgar Rice Burroughs Books In Order (2026): Full Collection Guide

Edgar Rice Burroughs is a literary figure whose imagination shaped the landscapes of adventure, science fiction, and fantasy for generations. Born in 1875 in Chicago, Burroughs’ storytelling transcended the conventions of his era, offering readers worlds brimming with danger, romance, heroism, and the extraordinary. Perhaps best known for creating Tarzan and John Carter of Mars, his novels became foundational pillars of popular fiction, influencing everything from modern superhero narratives to epic space operas.

What sets Burroughs apart is not merely his creativity but his ability to construct immersive worlds populated with vivid characters, intricate societies, and daring adventures. For readers new to his works-or those revisiting them-understanding the scope, sequence, and charm of his stories can transform the reading experience from a casual browse into a deeply engaging literary journey.

Edgar Rice Burroughs Books In Chronological Order

List Of Edgar Rice Burroughs Books In Order

1. A Princess of Mars (1912)

This is where it all begins, folks! In A Princess of Mars, we meet John Carter, a Confederate officer who gets mysteriously transported to Mars (or Barsoom, as the Martians call it). There, he meets Dejah Thoris, a feisty princess, and gets involved in Martian politics, giant green warriors, and a whole lot of sword fighting. It’s one of those books that introduces a wild new world that feels both ancient and futuristic. Imagine falling into a new planet where you’re suddenly the strongest man alive-pretty epic!

2. The Gods of Mars (1913)

This book picks up where A Princess of Mars leaves off. John Carter is back on Mars, but it’s not quite the same as before. The planet’s got a whole new set of problems, especially with the mysterious and terrifying Gods of Mars. Carter, being Carter, faces down deadly monsters, armies, and political intrigue. You get to dive deeper into the Martian mythology, and trust me, it’s a whirlwind of action and discovery!

3. The Warlord of Mars (1914)

In The Warlord of Mars, the action escalates even further. John Carter is still fighting for his princess and his honor, but now there’s a whole new layer of drama. The cities of Mars are divided, and John Carter is in the middle of it all. If you thought the first two books were action-packed, this one takes it to another level with a battle for the throne of Mars, betrayal, and a whole lot of romance. There’s just something about Mars that makes every fight feel more intense.

4. Thuvia, Maid of Mars (1920)

Now, we focus on Thuvia, a princess of Mars who gets into a tricky situation. She’s kidnapped and held for ransom, and of course, there’s a handsome, brave Martian hero, Carthoris, ready to do whatever it takes to rescue her. This book explores more of the cultural and political nuances of Mars and is full of daring rescues, close calls, and intense moments. It’s a little less John Carter-centric but still packed with adventure!

5. The Chessmen of Mars (1921)

If you’re into strategy games and political intrigue, The Chessmen of Mars is your jam. The story revolves around a Martian prince and a tough, resourceful woman named Tara. They’re trapped in a weird game of chess-literally-where the stakes are high, and the risks are even higher. The whole setting is super cool, with the planet’s civilization built around a series of bizarre rules that blend chess-like strategies with survival tactics. A unique take on Burroughs’ usual action-packed stories!

6. The Master Mind of Mars (1928)

The Master Mind of Mars introduces us to a new hero, Ulysses Paxton, an Earth man who is transported to Mars. Instead of being a mighty warrior like John Carter, Paxton is an intellectual, which gives this book a different flavor. He ends up in a battle against a mind-controlling villain, which makes for some pretty intense mental battles. There’s still plenty of action, but there’s a psychological twist here that adds depth to the plot.

7. A Fighting Man of Mars (1931)

This one’s got a good mix of traditional Burroughs action with a touch of new twists. We follow the story of a new character, Tan Hadron, who wants to be a hero in the Martian city of Helium. But of course, being a hero isn’t as easy as it sounds-especially when Tan finds himself fighting against all kinds of alien creatures, ancient warriors, and a political system that’s anything but fair. A Fighting Man of Mars keeps the stakes high, and the action even higher, with some classic Burroughs excitement!

8. Swords of Mars (1936)

Another action-packed tale in the Barsoom series, Swords of Mars brings back some of the classic elements of John Carter’s saga, but with a focus on a new character, the courageous Tars Tarkas. He’s not your typical hero, but that’s what makes him so relatable and admirable. You’ll find plenty of sword fights, daring rescues, and exotic Martian landscapes that make this book a delightful addition to the series.

9. The Martian Tales of Edgar Rice Burroughs (2017)

This one is a collection that includes all of Burroughs’ Martian tales, but with an updated touch. If you’ve been following the Barsoom saga from the beginning, this is the ultimate companion, bringing all the original tales together in one mega-volume. It’s the perfect way to revisit the epic adventures and to see how the world of Mars evolved over the years.

Overview Of Edgar Rice Burroughs Books

Burroughs’ bibliography spans dozens of novels, serials, and short stories, but it is his most famous series that define his legacy. The Tarzan series chronicles the life of an English lord raised by apes in the African jungle, exploring themes of civilization versus nature, identity, and heroism. Tarzan’s exploits are not confined to mere jungle adventures; Burroughs injects social commentary, philosophical musings, and thrilling action into every tale.

Equally remarkable is the Barsoom series, beginning with A Princess of Mars. This saga transports readers to a fantastical version of Mars, known as Barsoom, a world teeming with towering warriors, alien civilizations, and epic romances. John Carter, the protagonist, embodies both the idealized hero and a lens through which Burroughs examines courage, morality, and the complexities of war and peace in an alien society.

Beyond these iconic series, Burroughs explored other imaginative landscapes, including the Pellucidar series set in a hollow Earth, the Venus series, and various standalone adventure novels. Each work demonstrates his mastery of pacing, vivid imagery, and the kind of serialized storytelling that keeps readers eagerly turning pages. Burroughs’ novels are not just tales-they are immersive experiences where the boundaries between the reader and the fictional universe blur.

Understanding The Recommended Reading Sequence

Burroughs’ works, particularly his series, were not always written in strict chronological order. For example, the Barsoom novels were written non-sequentially: while A Princess of Mars introduces John Carter, subsequent volumes explore different aspects of Barsoom and its inhabitants, occasionally filling gaps or adding prequels. Similarly, the Tarzan series spans decades of storytelling, with Tarzan aging and experiencing new challenges, though some installments were penned out of linear order.

For readers seeking a coherent narrative progression, following the recommended reading sequence can enhance comprehension and emotional engagement. This approach allows one to witness character development, evolving relationships, and the unfolding of overarching themes in the intended order. On the other hand, Burroughs’ storytelling is often episodic enough that individual novels can be enjoyed as stand-alone adventures, but certain plot points, callbacks, and character arcs gain richer meaning when read sequentially.

What I Enjoy About The Series

Burroughs’ works captivate on multiple levels. First, the sheer inventiveness of his settings is mesmerizing. From the vast jungles of Africa to the crimson deserts of Mars, every location feels alive, teeming with flora, fauna, and culture. His attention to detail-whether describing a vine-entangled temple or the hierarchy of Martian cities-immerses the reader fully in his worlds.

Second, his heroes are archetypal yet relatable. Tarzan embodies physical prowess and innate intelligence, yet struggles with questions of belonging and morality. John Carter, an Earthman on a strange planet, faces cultural clashes and ethical dilemmas, making him both heroic and profoundly human.

Third, Burroughs’ storytelling is thrilling. The pacing is relentless, with cliffhangers, duels, daring escapes, and unexpected twists maintaining a sense of anticipation that makes finishing a novel a challenge for anyone who tries.

Finally, there is a timeless charm in his works. While some elements reflect the period in which they were written, the underlying themes of courage, curiosity, and resilience remain universal, allowing modern readers to connect with the stories as deeply as those who first read them over a century ago.

Is It Important To Read Edgar Rice Burroughs Books In Order?

The importance of reading Burroughs in order depends on the depth of experience desired. For casual enjoyment, diving into a single Tarzan or Barsoom novel is perfectly valid; Burroughs’ episodic style ensures a satisfying story even when isolated from the broader series.

However, for those seeking a comprehensive understanding of character arcs and thematic evolution, reading in order is beneficial. In the Tarzan series, for instance, the protagonist’s development, romantic relationships, and recurring villains gain nuance when experienced sequentially. Likewise, the Barsoom saga offers recurring characters and political intricacies that unfold more naturally in order.

In short, order matters more for context and continuity than for basic enjoyment. Think of reading Burroughs as embarking on a grand adventure: you can start anywhere and have fun, but the full impact of his imagination is most vivid when followed step by step.

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