Thursday, January 31, 2019

HISTORY OF THE TARZAN BOOKS

By Edgar Rice Burroughs

These Tarzan books were my husband's, Ronald Kline Shirley, as a young boy. He was a great reader and enjoyed the stories and adventures. When he went off to join the Navy at age 18, they were given to his cousin, Janet Adams. Janet was adopted by Rand and Mavis Adams. Mavis was David Kline Shirley’s sister, Ronald’s aunt.

After Ron and Danna married and moved back to Alabama, Aunt Mavis returned the books to Ron for his safekeeping. They were in perfect condition at this time. 😊

Unfortunately, Danna, not realizing the dampness of the south, placed the books in a box in the basement. After being stored there for several months, they became damaged through mold and humidity.

When Russ and Aaron came along, Ron tried to get them interested, hoping they would enjoy the art of reading and adventure as much as he had. When they didn’t want to read, Ron tried reading to them. They were fidgety and would rather go play than sit and listen. Ron was disappointed he couldn’t instill in his own sons what had been routine for him all his life, being an avid reader.  
Tarzan of the Apes (1914)
The Return of Tarzan (1915)
Tarzan and the Jewels of Opar (1918)
Tarzan the Terrible (1921)
Tarzan and the Golden Lion (1924)
Tarzan Lord of the Jungle (1928)

When downsizing my house, I asked Aaron if he would like these books and he jumped at the chance to possess them. I'm so glad they have found a home in another generation of Shirley households. 

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