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Walter Longcluse, a mysterious gentleman, befriends the Arden family, courting the beautiful Alice while luring her brother Richard into the discreet world of underground gambling. When a gruesome murder takes place, questions concerning Longcluse’s past resurface, plunging the Arden family into terrible danger. Checkmate is a novel by Irish author Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu.
About the author
Edgar Rice Burroughs (1875-1950) was an American writer best known for his work in the adventure, fantasy, and science fiction genres. After being discharged from the army shortly after enlisting due to health issues, Burroughs pursued a number of careers. He worked as a cowboy, a factory worker, a mine manager, and a railroad worker before he started writing to earn more money. His best-known work, Tarzan of the Apes gained him major financial success, especially after he sold the film rights for the novel. Burroughs was married twice, and has three children. After his death, he was inducted into the Science Fiction Hall of Fame, commemorating his exemplary work and vast canon of eighty novels.
Summary
Soon after the American Civil War, Confederate soldier John Carter joins the gold rush in Arizona. After striking a vein of gold, Carter runs into trouble with the natives of the area. In attempts to evade their pursuit, Carter hides in a cave, unaware of its magical properties. Mysteriously, Carter is transported to Mars, which the planet inhabitants call “Barsoom”. When Carter discovers that the gravity difference between Mars and Earth has granted him powers of extraordinary strength, he uses his ability to rise among the ranks of a tribe named the Tharks. However, when a group of Tharks kidnap Dejah, a princess, Carter feels obligated to save her. Promising to return her to her people, Carter helps Dejah escape, unintentionally becoming involved in political turmoil while he falls in love with the princess. When an opposing force plans to invade Dejah’s home city, Carter leads an army to fight back, risking his life for the woman he loves.
With high adventure, intense action, and fantasy, A Princess of Mars by Edgar Rice Burroughs is a classic example of 20th century pulp fiction. Set in the harsh environment of a dying planet, A Princess of Mars is a highly imaginative work that captures the minds of readers while entertaining with its adventure and romance. First published just over one hundred years ago in 1912, A Princess of Mars has remained a fan favorite of the series, inspiring film adaptations, including one produced by Walt Disney Pictures titled John Carter.
This edition of A Princess of Mars by Edgar Rice Burroughs features a new, eye-catching cover design and is printed in an easy-to-read font. With these accommodations, A Princess of Mars caters to a modern audience while preserving the original wonder and adventure of Edgar Rice Burroughs’ work.
