Edgar Rice Burroughs

My favourite author because he created my all time favourite fictional character. In my opinion, the creation of Tarzan is the finest example of pure genius. You have to keep in mind that Edgar Rice Burroughs created Tarzan at the very dawn of the 20th century. Having taken that into consideration, think on the imagination required to invent Tarzan... This misanthropic fictional character is 100% complete in his misanthropy and makes observations upon society that, at the time, would have been intensely controversial and, unfortunately, are still a true reflection of humanity today. Edgar Rice Burroughs drew an Africa he had had absolutely no experience of, with fantastic detail, and it is detail that I could only really appreciate after having spent time in Africa in the 1980's. The Tarzan novels have always inspired me and I was completely seduced by the intense atmosphere Edgar created, but it wasn't until I experienced Africa for myself that I truly appreciarted Edgar Rice Burroughs genius. And you need to appreciate Edgar Rice Burroughs didn't have the benefit of detailed knowledge of Africa when he wrote the stories. In my mind, it is a crime the Tarzan books are pigeon-holed Boy's Adventure books...