2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
What If: the US and Isolationism, July 16, 2003
First published in 1915, the motivations for this story are obvious. The nations of the western hemisphere have taken an extreme isolationist stance in the early years of World War I, to the point that 200 years later they do not even know whether anything or anyone has survived the massive armed conflagration that began in the early 20th century. The hero inadvertently gets stranded in Europe and makes all of the startling discoveries of the outcome of the conflict and ensuing 200 years.
The story is ERB's standard fare. However, like many of his books from this period, there are a few themes to the story that are of interest above and beyond the light adventure story. The elements foremost in this novel are the destructive nature of war and racism. There is also a certain amount of naivete from the period and the relative newness of the United States as a world power.
Most of Burrough's books are good reading for pre-teen to early adolescent, and nostalgic adults; this one is no exception.
P-)
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2.0 out of 5 stars
This one needed some work., January 5, 2002
I have read a lot of Burroughs, and this one is rather typical of his stories. The idea of the civilized man having to survive in a savage part of the world is an all too common plot line for him.
The initial idea of European civilization being severely damaged by World War I, while an isolationist North and South America growing to the height of civilization and peace was a brilliant one. The idea of someone from the Americas entering the unknown European realm is a fascinating plot idea. Unfortunately, the book was just not long enough to really develop the story.
Even if World War I had gone as badly as the story indicates, I do not believe that European civilization would have been so totally obliterated that no trace of it would remain. There should have been ruins, at least. It seems more as likely that some sort of Medieval-type society would have resulted, especially since that is so much a part of the history of that part of the world.
Further, when the Roman Empire fell, some learning was preserve in monastaries. It seems to me that something similar would have occurred if World War I had destroyed European civilization. I kept expecting the main characters to come across something of this nature, but they never did.
Third, I find it unlikely that the animals that Burroughs describes as thriving in England would be able to do so, unless the entire climate of the planet had changed, and there is no indication in the novel that this has occurred. Lions and elephants may be able to live in zoos but if turned loose with a few British winters (from what I've read of the British climate), they would certainly not become more populous than humans.
Finally, I felt that the end of the story was rushed. With the material that he had, Burroughs could have stretched this story out to a multi-hundred page novel. As it is, the edition that I read was under 100 pgs.
In all, Burroughs started with a great idea, but it just needed a lot of work.
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4.0 out of 5 stars
Burroughs at His Best, December 12, 1999
The Lost Continent by Edgar Rice Burroughs is, as every science fiction fan and writer knows, a classic. Burroughs long known for his Tarzan series, is at his best when writing about the future and outer space. In the Lost Continent, Asia and Europe have destroyed themselves in a massive war. Both continents are completely devastated. North America and South America merge forming "Pan-America". Europe and Asia are put off limits by law and Pan-Americans are forbidden travel pass a certain parallel (The original title of the book was Beyond Parallel... I've forgetten the exact number). Hundreds of years pass and everyone forgets that there was ever an Asia or Europe. The book details the voyage of a submarine Captain and his crew as they rediscover acient lands and the humans that inhabit them.
Burroughs creates a language, culture and history that in some form or another have appeared in every science fantasy/fiction written since. It's an easy read, full of adventure and romance. And, you will be amazed at Burroughs vision and skill.
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