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    Tarzan of the Apes
    Tarzan of the Apes
    Tarzan of the Apes
    Audiobook8 hours

    Tarzan of the Apes

    Written by Edgar Rice Burroughs

    Narrated by B. J. Harrison

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    About this audiobook

    Tarzan: the original Superhero. Discover the origins of Tarzan, see how he obtains his superhuman strength and agility, then returns to civilization. This timeless novel, presented complete and unabridged, is performed by award-winning Classic Tales narrator B.J. Harrison

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherB.J. Harrison
    Release dateJul 8, 2013
    ISBN9781937091170
    Author

    Edgar Rice Burroughs

    American writer Edgar Rice Burroughs (1875 - 1950) worked many odd jobs before professionally writing. Burroughs did not start writing until he was in his late 30s while working at a pencil-sharpener wholesaler. But after following his call to writing, Burroughs created one of America's most enduring adventure heroes: Tarzan. Along with his novels about Tarzan, Burroughs wrote the notable Barsoom series, which follows the Mars adventurer John Carter.

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    Reviews for Tarzan of the Apes

    4/5

    1,049 ratings68 reviews

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    • 3/5
      Very strong first half - like a Jack London survival tale, but the second act gives way to social farce & plodding romance with a very rushed, sloppy ending.
    • 4/5
      This was certainly not what I was expecting. I guess I didn't know what to expect but I had this weird idea that any book written before the 1990s would be very detail oriented. Silly me. This book is not detail oriented. It is very fast paced. I listened to it on audio book and I found that I had to make sure I wasn't disturbed at all because if I missed one sentence it could be the sentence that made a difference, that transitioned from one exciting scene to the next. It is also not very long: 3 hours on audio. At first I was worried that I wouldn't like the story because there didn't seem to be enough detail, enough meat on the bone, but it soon became clear that there just wasn't much time spent on Tarzan growing up. This could be because the book was written in the early 1990s and there wasn't much known about how Gorillas lived, but that is only my guess. I would have loved a more detailed account of this story but it has it's own simple charm. Now I want to go watch the Disney movie; and read the next book in this adventure series. There were a few parts that made me scoff a little, like Tarzan teaching himself to read with no prior knowledge of symbols or how letters connect to make words. That was very imaginative. And there were plenty of stereotypes to be found. But the book was written in 1912, so I can give it some leeway. Overall, I'm glad I read this book.
    • 4/5
      A self-made noble beast, Tarzan's plight is every man's. Burroughs created a living myth and one that hints at how we might all be better off swinging from those vines.
    • 4/5
      A surprisingly entertaining book -- far different from my preconceptions of what to expect. It makes me want to read the next book in the series.
    • 3/5
      I bought this awhile back with the intention of listening to it for my Classic Boys Adventures book salon. It is narrated by B.J. Harrison who puts out the fabulous The Classic Tales podcast. I continue to be amazed at the lengthy set ups that are in these classic adventure stories and find myself wondering if kids today have the patience for them. Anyway, this wasn't quite what I expected, more of a Treasure Island shipwreck tale than Tarzan living in jungle, but enjoyable once you get over the extremely imperialist viewpoint. My only real complaint was that the ending felt rushed and left the reader completely hanging!
    • 4/5
      The best part of the Tarzan books is Tarzan. Who wouldn't love a man who could do anything? He's like a super hero. Disappointingly, Tarzan doesn't get the girl in this first novel. But I have hopes for the next!
    • 5/5
      Following Clayton as he grows up in the wild is a treat. You cannot go wrong with Burroughs, His characters are awesome.
    • 5/5
      "Tarzan of the Apes" is a classic adventure novel written by Edgar Rice Burroughs and first published in 1914. The book introduces readers to one of the most iconic literary characters of all time: Tarzan. It tells the thrilling story of a young English nobleman, John Clayton, who is orphaned and left to fend for himself in the dense jungles of Africa.As Tarzan grows up in the wild, he is raised by a tribe of great apes, learning their ways and developing exceptional strength, agility, and survival skills. The narrative follows Tarzan's journey of self-discovery as he navigates the dangers of the jungle, encounters various animal species, and grapples with his own identity as a human living among animals.The book explores Tarzan's interactions with other characters, including the love interest Jane Porter, as well as villains such as the ruthless hunter Clayton. It weaves together themes of adventure, romance, and the clash between civilization and the primal instincts of the jungle.Burroughs' vivid descriptions transport readers to the untamed landscapes of Africa, immersing them in the sights, sounds, and dangers of the jungle. The author's dynamic storytelling and fast-paced action sequences keep readers engaged as they follow Tarzan's daring exploits and his quest for his true place in the world."Tarzan of the Apes" is not only a thrilling adventure tale but also a reflection on the nature of humanity, the allure of the wild, and the complexities of identity and belonging. It has captivated readers for over a century, spawning numerous adaptations in various forms of media and establishing Tarzan as a beloved and enduring literary figure.The novel's enduring popularity lies in its timeless themes, captivating storytelling, and the enduring appeal of a hero who possesses both the strength and nobility of a nobleman and the primal instincts and survival skills of the jungle. "Tarzan of the Apes" remains a classic work of adventure literature that continues to enthrall readers of all ages.
    • 4/5
      If you can get past the racism (and there's a lot, though I guess it could be worse?) then this is a pretty fun and exciting adventure novel. Tarzan is a badass and I found the ending to be surprisingly sad.
    • 4/5
      I read the first seven or so of this series back when I was starting Jr. High. I loved the adventure stories and especially his Golden Lion. I was always upset with the movies because Tarzan was not as cool as in the novels (he spoke French first before English !). I did not like the parts that mentioned evolution, because of my religious viewpoint, however. Also, he was very bloodthirsty with the other African tribes, but not with his own Waziri. I remember reading these in the summer sunshine behind our shed in Kaysville. Those were the days!
    • 5/5
      Very good novel by Edgar Rice Burroughs and I was happy that it was nothing like any of the movies I saw. It made me wonder, however, why movies, like the animated one Disney did, made Jane Porter a Englishwoman when she is clearly from Baltimore, MD? I was surprised to see a little bit of racism in the novel but I was reminded it was written by a white man in 1914. However, it was a good American classic and makes you question weather or not if humans are mentally different from any other animal.
    • 5/5
      The first thing that caught my eye about this book was the gorgeous Neil Adams cover. The next was the realization that I have never actually read the book! Another “it’s about time

      Merged review:

      The first thing that caught my eye about this book was the gorgeous Neil Adams cover. The next was the realization that I have never actually read the book! Another
    • 4/5
      I enjoyed this book a lot more than I thought I would. Really fun read.
    • 4/5
      I enjoyed reading this early 1900's book. As expected, some of the material was not politically correct. The writer is skilled as it was not laugh at loud, even though a lot of it was ridiculous / absurd. The only complaint I had was with Jane Potter's father, Archimedes. His dialog and moments I think were supposed to be funny, but failed.1/13/2018; 3,526 members; 3.76 average rating
    • 4/5
      Tarzan of the Apes - Edgar Rice Burrows ****I always knew Tarzan was based on a book, but I didn’t realize just how many were written, I always assumed it was just a one off publication and the films sort of took over. There were 24 original novels which spawned numerous other books after the death of the author.I think nearly everyone knows the story of the boy who is raised by jungle apes following the death of his family, how he rises to become their leader, falls in love with Jane and returns to civilization. But I wonder how many people have actually read the source material? Firstly I think most people may be shocked at the level of violence in the books, things aren’t all nice and the fight scenes are fairly graphic, especially when you consider this was written in 1912. Burroughs certainly wasn’t afraid to hold back and you really get a sense of adventure that can be missing from other books of this type. Of course, with the book being this old you have to view it from the times in which it was written and the outdated view of the world may cause an amount of offense in these times of often misplaced political correctness. If you are able to overlook these themes, swallow the numerous coincidences and unbelievable parts (in particular Tarzan teaching himself to write….) and what you will be left with is a book that is very readable and contains enough content to make probably 3 or 4 full length films. Expect everything that makes a jungle adventure special and different: wild animals, rough terrain, cannibals and desolation. It is easy to see how Tarzan captured the imagination of the times and has remained an iconic figure ever since and is still in print over a century later.I really did enjoy reading the book, but not enough that I think I will actively seek out the next in the series. If it falls into my lap then I may well have a look, but that’s about it. Well worth a read, just to see when the Legend of Greystoke originated.
    • 3/5
      While I’m willing to suspend belief and read about Tarzan being brought up by apes, fitting into their culture, etc., I can’t suspend belief regarding his ability to teach himself to read English, or to learn to speak it – and French – in record-breaking time. Other aspects like this spoil what could’ve been a gripping adventure novel. It does have some engaging moments, notably Tarzan’s time spent with the apes, but it goes downhill once he grows ‘civilised’.This is one of several ‘classics’ that I’ve read after watching countless film and TV adaptations, thus beforehand I expected something wonderful, only to be disappointed.In short, it’s not a bad read, but the unbelievability brings it down.
    • 5/5
      Why did it take me so long to pick up this classic? This is your typical little adventure from a time when adventure series were very popular. Nothing complicated here, just good fun in the classic way. People who have seen various movie versions might be disappointed in the book because it won't be what they expect, but movies never follow a book exactly and I think most of us are aware of that by now. I have to say in most cases I enjoyed this book much better than the theatrical equivalents.
    • 5/5
      Following Clayton as he grows up in the wild is a treat. You cannot go wrong with Burroughs, His characters are awesome.
    • 5/5
      John Clayton, Lord Greystoke, boards a ship for British West Africa with Alice, his bride. During their travels, the crew mutinies, but a kind sailor makes sure that the Englishman and his wife will not be killed, instead he abandons them in a wilderness harbor with all of their luggage and a few supplies. The site has a river mouth for water, and John and Alice gather and hunt to live after their supplies run out. Although not a tradesman, John builds and furnishes a log cabin with a clever door latch for protection against wild beasts. Their son is born there. A year later, Alice dies, and Clayton is killed by an ape, Kerchak.

      Among the attacking apes is Kala, a female whose own baby has died. Finding the now-orphaned, hairless white baby, she takes it up as her own. After ten years, the puny and slow Tarzan—“white ape” in their tongue—begins to mature in both body and brain. Although he knows nothing of his connection with the cabin, he is fascinated by it. He discovers how to open the cabin latch,where he finds many books, including a brightly illustrated alphabet book. The “bugs” on the pages fascinate him, and in time he teaches himself to read them. I marveled at how the author described the wayTarzan taught himself to read. He also finds a sharp hunting knife and, when a huge gorilla attacks him, he accidentally discovers the knife’s usefulness. With it, he gains status as the tribe’s greatest hunter and fighter.
      Later, a tribe of black Africans settles in the area, and Kala is killed by one of the tribe's hunters. Avenging himself on the killer, Tarzan begins an antagonistic relationship with the tribe, raiding its village for weapons and playing cruel pranks on them. They, in turn, regard him as an evil spirit.
      Later, a new party of white travelers become marooned on the coast, including Jane Porter, the first white woman Tarzan has ever seen. Tarzan's cousin, Tarzan spies on the newcomers, aids them, and saves Jane from the dangers of the jungle. Eventually Tarzan learns how to behave among white men, as well as serving as his guide to the nearest colonial outposts. In the end, Tarzan travels to Jane's native Baltimore, Maryland only to find that she is now in the woods of Wisconsin. Tarzan finally meets Jane in Wisconsin where they renew their acquaintance and he learns the bitter news that she has become engaged to William Clayton. Meanwhile, clues from his parents' cabin have enabled D'Arnot to prove Tarzan's true identity. Instead of claiming his inheritance, Tarzan chooses rather to conceal and renounce his heritage for the sake of Jane's happiness.
    • 5/5
      Was surprised how little I remembered this bookI agree with Gore Vidal in the introduction Burroughs writes great action.
    • 3/5
      So I read this book, knowing it was a classic, but expecting that I'd like it and wouldn't absolutely love it, but I got really absorbed into the story.

      It's a classic adventure story -- and the pace never really slowed down once it picked up. Of course, you should know that Edgar Rice Burroughs is racist to his core, and the 'African savages' presented in this novel are cringe-worthy and the way he writes them makes my skin crawl. Skip them, if you like, as I did, because they add very little most of the time.

      I'm sick of people saying 'he was a man of his time' as if to excuse it? He was a man of his time, yes, and a racist one. (His writing of women is also problematic but I will get into that some other time - I will have to read another of his books and pick out examples because they can be quite subtle and subversive.)

      One thing I will say is that Edgar Rice Burroughs had never actually been to Africa and imagined it very differently to how it truly was, and so you can rest-assured that the Africa he speaks of is one that does not exist.

      ... all of that aside, though. This was a really exciting story! It moved well, it read well, I remember quite a few of the lines, and I read it quite easily. The language was easy enough to follow, but it's not a children's story (unlike the Disney film).

      I adored this story, but I'll have to give it three stars.
    • 4/5
      A very enjoyable adventure story though the colonial and class attitudes overwhelm the story at times.
    • 4/5
      A surprisingly quick read! I found myself enjoying it more than I thought I would, and I feel that this would have been even more sensationally astounding at the beginning of the twentieth century. Tarzan is born on the coast of Africa to two loving English parents who have been dropped off ship by a mutinous crew. His parents die during his infancy and he is raised by Kala, a loving ape who just lost her own child. He is reared in ape fashion and lives as they do become "king of the jungle," when he stumbles upon his parents cabin he begins to teach himself to write in English from the books they left behind. When a ship arrives with a beautiful young girl he is enamoured and tries to woo her with actions and words since he cannot speak. Compelling, and exciting, this adventure story has something for everyone, even though the ending is a little lacking (this is the first in the series).
    • 2/5
      Well, it's Tarzan. He is of a noble family and therefore superior. I did not realize that lions lived in the jungle forests but perhaps they did in 1912. And while I realize it's a product of the age in which it's written, I could not stomach all of the references to blacks as being less intelligent and capable as the white explorers and treasure hunters.Still, it's a classic novel, the idea of a white man growing up in the jungles of Africa and raised by the great apes still strikes a chord among some young boys and even grown men, and this book remains at the forefront of imagination.The narrator, Shelly Frasier, does a very poor job in her reading. I have never heard an audiobook narrator who pops her p's" and "b's" (Professor Porter is a jarring name to hear, for example). While her overall reading voice is even and well-done, and her American accent is polished, the reading quality leaves something to be desired.
    • 3/5
      This was surprisingly entertaining, despite the less than politically correct portions. I might even read the next in the series because the cliff hanger was too good. Also, as a Disney-raised child, the difference between the current pop culture image of Tarzan and the original text shouldn't have been surprising, but I wasn't quite prepared for how Disney-ified our perception truly is.BookRiot Read Harder Challenge | Task 18: Read a book that was adapted into a movie, then watch the movie. Debate which is better. (Basically I wanted an excuse to see Alexander Skarsgård as Tarzan).
    • 5/5
      Really enjoyed this. Full of action and romance. Particularly enjoyable was Tarzan's childhood.
    • 4/5
      Most people hate cliffhangers. I absolutely love them. I love the anticipation(and even slight frustration) they can make you feel.

      But that was a devious, DEVIOUS ending. I guess I'm off to download book two...

      Full review to come.
    • 5/5
      I first read this book some 40 odd years ago, and it became one of my favorites. Reading it again changed little, except maybe a deeper love of the story.John and Alice Clayton, Lord and Lady Greystoke, are put ashore on the west coast of Africa after the crew of their vessel mutinees and kills the officers. Shortly thereafter, Alice gives birth to a bouncing baby boy. Over the course of a year, John builds a very sturdy cabin for their habitation and safety, but Alice could not cope and finally succumbed. So distraught was John that he neglected to latch the door to the cabin, allowing Kerchack, king of the great apes, easy access and spelled the end for John.Luckily for the baby, Kala had dropped her newborn, killing it. She rapidly traded her dead baby for the crying young Lord Greystoke and raised the human as her own and named him Tarzan. So begins the life and times of Tarzan of the apes, who used his superior intellect to become king of his tribe and the most feared Hunter in all of Africa.
    • 3/5
      A good read from an antiquated age.
    • 3/5
      For Christmas, I ordered an mp3 player (Library of Classics) that was pre-loaded with 100 works of classic literature in an audio format. Each work is in the public domain and is read by amateurs, so the quality of the presentation is hit or miss. Tarzan of the Apes is a cultural classic. I grew up during a time when Saturday morning was filled with Tarzan cartoons and movies. “Me Tarzan, you Jane” is almost a cultural tagline. However, this is the first time I was exposed to the original novel, written by Edgar Rice Burroughs. The story is well known. The child of English nobility is raised from birth by a band of apes, with very little exposure to human influence. Upon reaching maturity, he is finally faced with members of his own species.I found this to be a relatively decent story, right up to the point that the party of English travelers was deposited upon Tarzan’s shores. Now, I had a problem with Tarzan teaching himself how to read, strictly by virtue of his discovery of a set of books left behind by his dead parents. That is pretty absurd on its face, however, when the English travelers actually included Tarzan’s first cousin, the very person that succeeded to the lordship upon the death of his father, the author lost me. Coincidence? Africa is a mighty large continent for two such closely related people to accidentally run into each other.There follows several highly implausible occurrences, such as Tarzan’s mastery of the French and English languages and operation of near seamless transition into upper class society. In any event, a tolerably entertaining story deteriorated rapidly at about the midway point, in my opinion.