With Tarzan heading back to the big screen in 2014 from director David Yates (Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows), now really is the perfect time for a book like Titan Books' Tarzan The Centennial Celebration to be released. The beautifully presented 320-page hardcover shines the spotlight on just about everything and anything you could possibly want to know about the iconic Edgar Rice Burroughs creation as the Lord of the Jungle turns 100 this year. This is an incredibly in-depth and revealing publication, and while I'm no Tarzan expert, it's hard to imagine a single area that the book fails to cover. From his creation to later appearances in comics, novels, musicals, movies and more, this stunning collection delves into the world of this character which author Scott Tracy Griffin (a renowned expert on all things Burroughs) is clearly very, VERY passionate about.
Despite being packed full of lavish images, the Tarzan The Centennial Celebration manages to avoid the pitfalls of similar releases (glorified picture books basically) and crams in a lot of genuinely very interesting information. Griffin finds the perfect balance of both, meaning it never gets bogged down in too much information OR feels like too light of a read. In terms of what you can expect, the book features many of Burroughs' original notes, as well as stunning artwork from the various comics and novels which have been released over the years. There's also plenty of stills from the various small and big screen adaptations, many of which are printed here for the first time. Of course, Tarzan wouldn't be Tarzan without his supporting characters, and the likes of Jane and Cheetah all get their chance to shine as well. Topped off with a look at collectibles, conventions, authorised sequels and more (not to mention a brilliant foreword from big screen Tarzan Ron Ely), there's no doubting the fact that this is a must-have for any fan of Tarzan.
Celebrating one hundred years of Tarzan, Titan Books presents the only official commemorative illustrated history of this worldwide phenomenon. To celebrate the Lord of the Jungle’s 100th birthday, internationally-acclaimed Edgar Rice Burroughs expert Scott Tracy Griffin presents the ultimate review of a century of Tarzan. Lavishly illustrated and with fascinating insight into every element of Burroughs’ extraordinary legacy – from his first writings to the latest stage musical – this is a visual treasure trove of classic comic strip, cover art, movie stills, and rare ephemera. From the first publication of the smash hit Tarzan of the Apes, Burroughs’ ape man captured the hearts and the imaginations of adults and children across the globe, whether by written word, moving image, comic strip or radio. Each of the 24 original novels and the many varied appearances on stage, screen and in print receive a detailed commentary, illustrated with some of the most evocative and beautiful artworks, illustrations and photographs, many rarely seen in print before. With features on Korak, Jane, Tantor and Cheetah, plus their innumerable friends, foes and exotic adventures, this is an amazing collection of all things Tarzan and a vital addition to any Tarzan-lover’s library.