"Page-turners filled with interplanetary perils and thrilling romance, these five epic adventure tales remapped the terrain of fantasy and science fiction." ==P. [4] of cover.

Book One of the John Carter of Mars collections, this edition contains the original text from the first, second, and third of Edgar Rice Burrough's world-famous novels. Originally published from 1917 and 1919, A Princess of Mars, The Gods of Mars, and The Warlord of Mars are science-fiction classics, and the origin of Burroughs's legendary series.

After the long exile on Earth, John Carter finally returned to his beloved Mars. But beautiful Dejah Thoris, the woman he loved, had vanished. Now he was trapped in the legendary Eden of Mars -- an Eden from which none ever escaped alive. The Gods of Mars is a science fantasy novel by American writer Edgar Rice Burroughs, the second of his Barsoom series. It was first published in The All-Story as a five-part serial in the issues for January-May 1913.[1] It was later published as a complete novel by A. C. McClurg in September, 1918. Excerpt: For moments after that awful laugh had ceased reverberating through the rocky room, Tars Tarkas and I stood in tense and expectant silence. But no further sound broke the stillness, nor within the range of our vision did aught move.At length Tars Tarkas laughed softly, after the manner of his strange kind when in the presence of the horrible or terrifying. It is not an hysterical laugh, but rather the genuine expression of the pleasure they derive from the things that move Earth men to loathing or to tears.Often and again have I seen them roll upon the ground in mad fits of uncontrollable mirth when witnessing the death agonies of women and little children beneath the torture of that hellish green Martian fete-the Great Games. I looked up at the Thark, a smile upon my own lips, for here in truth was greater need for a smiling face than a trembling chin.

The book "John Carter of Mars" comprises two novelettes originally published in Amazing Stories pulp magazine: "John Carter and the Giant of Mars" was published in the January 1941 issue with the byline "Edgar Rice Burroughs". However, ERB had nothing to do with the writing of the story! It was written by his younger son, John Coleman Burroughs. In the February 1943 issue of Amazing Stories, "Skeleton Men of Jupiter" appeared, the first part of a 4-part novel. Unfortunately, due to World War II and the failing health of ERB, the remaining 3 stories were not written.

John Carter, Civil War veteran, is attacked by murderous Apaches whilst prospecting for gold. Taking refuge in a strange cave in the Arizona hills he is transported to the planet Mars, and plunged headlong into the conflicts of a dying world. Upon the strange red soil of 'Barsoom' he must do all that he can to stay alive and uphold the values of his beloved Virginia. Given super strength and agility thanks to the lighter gravity, he soon becomes a renowned warrior among the barbarous green martians. But when a beautiful human Princess falls into their hands he will need more than just muscle power to help her escape. What follows is one of the greatest adventure stories of all time -- featuring vicious sword fights, daring midnight escapes, a passionate romance, and huge battles upon the dry ocean beds of Mars. As captivating as the day it was first published, A Princess of Mars went on to inspire everything from Superman to Star Wars, and remains one of the best examples of science fiction ever written.

"John Carter and the Giant of Mars," is a juvenile story penned by Burrough's son John "Jack" Coleman Burroughs, and claimed to have been revised by Burroughs. It was written for a Whitman Big Little Book, illustrated by Jack Burroughs that was published in 1940 and then republished in Amazing Stories the next year.