Tarzan of the Apes

First published in a pulp magazine in 1912, this title is the first in what became a very successful series lasting into the 1940s. Many films have been made of the series, and Tarzan has been played by several actors, of whom the most successful has been Johnny Weissmuller, an American Olympic swimmer and gold medallist. In the novel, we learn that Tarzan is orphaned while still a child. He is raised by a she-ape and quickly forgets his human heritage. As time goes by, Tarzan is confronted by the ape leader. Tarzan emerges successful, and becomes acknowledged as king of his ape troop. In time, he encounters human beings, not least an attractive white woman called Jane. He follows Jane to the United States. Tarzan learns he is heir to the British lordship of Greystoke but the title has been usurped by his brother, who is engaged to marry Jane. In an act of love and renunciation, Tarzan returns to Africa and to the apes.