First published over a hundred years ago, Tarzan of the Apes is the book that started it all. Edgar Rice Burroughs throws us right into the deep end of the jungle, and it’s a ride that hasn’t lost its thrill.

The Story

It begins with a shipwreck off the coast of Africa. An English lord and lady are marooned, and after their deaths, their infant son is adopted by a tribe of great apes. Kala, a grieving mother ape, raises the boy as her own, naming him Tarzan (which means "White Skin"). We follow Tarzan as he grows, learning the brutal laws of the jungle, fighting for survival, and discovering the strange hut built by his human parents. His world is turned upside down when another group of humans—including the intelligent and beautiful Jane Porter—is shipwrecked on his shores. For the first time, Tarzan meets others who look like him, sparking a fierce internal conflict about his identity.

Why You Should Read It

Look, some parts of the book are very much a product of 1912. But at its heart, this is a powerful story about nature versus nurture. Is Tarzan an ape or a man? Burroughs makes you feel his confusion and loneliness. The action is fantastic—tense, inventive, and fast-paced. Tarzan isn’t just strong; he’s clever, teaching himself to read from his father’s books and constantly outthinking his enemies, both animal and human. It’s the ultimate wish-fulfillment fantasy of mastering your environment.

Final Verdict

This book is perfect for anyone who loves a foundational adventure story. If you enjoy classics like Robinson Crusoe or The Jungle Book, or just want to see where a pop culture icon came from, you’ll have a blast. Read it for the sheer, pulpy fun, the fascinating (if dated) ideas, and to experience the origin of one of fiction’s most enduring legends.