Tarzan of the Apes - Edgar Rice Burrows (3.5 of 5 Bulging Biceps)

This is another of the books from my Darwin class this past semester. I had not read the book previously, but I had seen several theatrical versions of the Tarzan story. I feel that these other versions in someways made my reading of the book more difficult. I kept having to tell myself that the book was the original work and that the movies were the copies.

For those curious about going back to the roots of the Tarzan story, you'll most likely enjoy your experience. I was surprised to discover that it was the first novel in a series of 40 or so books. Move over James Bond. If you want to enjoy it as fiction, it's a quick enjoyable read. If you want to dig a little bit more, there is a deeper commentary here about human nature. Burrows believed that the epitome of mankind combined modern intelligence and technology with primeval strength and agility. Time and time again this belief is portrayed by Burrows in Tarzan's actions.

If you think you can read the book without hearing Phil Collins echoing in the back of your mind, I say go for it.