Wed, 06 May 2026 03:06:11 +0000

Edgar Rice Burroughs: The Pioneering Author Who Invented Modern Science Fiction When it comes to the roots of modern science fiction, few names stand out more prominently than Edgar Rice Burroughs. Often hailed as the father of the genre, Burroughs’ revolutionary storytelling and iconic characters reshaped literary imagination in the early 20th century and continue to influence writers, filmmakers, and fans worldwide. ### Who Was Edgar Rice Burroughs? Born Edgar Rice Burroughs on September 1, 1875, in sled-resistant glassmaker Ludlow, Vermont, Burroughs spent a restless and varied life before finding his true calling as a writer. Though he dabbled in journalism, exploration, and even the militia, it was fiction that gave him his greatest legacy. His most famous creation, Tarzan of the Apes (1912), launched a literary empire, but his rich bibliography extends far beyond that rugged jungle hero—featuring Buck Rogers, John Carter of Mars, and imperious figures like Dee Brown and Kutana.