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TARZAN ALIVE - A Definitive Biography of Lord Greystoke

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Far too long out of print, TARZAN ALIVE: THE DEFINITIVE BIOGRAPHY OF LORD GREYSTOKE is a postmodern classic that will appeal to readers of Edgar Rice Burroughs and Philip José Farmer, as well as those interested in parascholarship, fictional biographies, and literature in general. This is the book that launched the concept of the Wold Newton family, the genetic lineage exposed to a radioactive meteorite in 1795, thus spawning a number of great detectives, scientists, explorers, and adventurers, some of whom border on the superhuman. Farmer's addendums, expanding this concept to include a multitude of literary characters (such as those from Jane Austen's PRIDE AND PREJUDICE and Jack London's THE SEA WOLF, to name only a couple), alone make the cost of this book worth it.

This is truly the definitive edition of TARZAN ALIVE, and Bison Books has wisely added a number of extras that will make this edition worth owning even if one already has a Doubleday, Popular Library, or Playboy Paperbacks copy of the book. Collected here, but missing from the older versions of the book, are two gems: 1) "Extracts from the Memoirs of `Lord Greystoke' (previously only available in the hard to find anthology MOTHER WAS A LOVELY BEAST); and 2) "Tarzan Lives: An Exclusive Interview with the Eighth Duke of Greystoke" (in which Farmer himself interviews the Jungle Lord). Further, the Bison Books edition includes an insightful new foreword by Win Scott Eckert (editor of MYTHS FOR THE MODERN AGE: PHILIP JOSÉ FARMER'S WOLD NEWTON UNIVERSE), which places TARZAN ALIVE in the context of "Sherlockian biographical scholarship," showing how Farmer's book is truly exemplary (and also transcendent) in the field of fictional biography. This is followed by a new introduction by science fiction author Mike Resnick discussing Farmer's other Tarzan pastiches.

The book itself is a compelling read. Farmer treats the subject of his "biography" as a living person about whom Edgar Rice Burroughs chronicled in fictionalized form. This livens up what otherwise would be a dry summary of ERB's Tarzan series, as Farmer often interjects with persuasive comments, conjectures, and elaborations in the brilliant style that is unique to him. In TARZAN ALIVE, Farmer breaths new life into the legend of Tarzan, all out of a respectful love for the character which pours from every word on every page of this delightfully wonderful work.

First off, this is a review I intend to edit later to give readers more of an an idea of the merits of this wonderful book. Second, my review title alludes to the thoughtless and grammatically mangled pocket review provided by "SarahsJay", who, based on his other reviews, could be perceived as someone who would enjoy a biography of Tarzan. But, as in all things, some folk "get it", or grok; others, like Jay, do not and apparently cannot.
I can confidently refute Jay's contention that Mr. Farmer seemed unaware that Tarzan was a character that was written about by Edgar Rice Burroughs. He states this countless times in the book, making Jay's commentary worthless. Was Tarzan a character created by ERB? Or a real and unusual man whose life ERB based his pulp fiction upon? Read this book and decide for yourself; that's the fun of the book, and its basic premise. And I find it ludicrous that someone would admonish Farmer to exit the Wold Newton Universe when it was Farmer's concept to begin with; and equally absurd is Jay's contention that Farmer find another character to, from Jay's POV, to "pick on" (my wordage). Well sir, you are in luck, because PJF wrote an equally delightful follow-up to Tarzan Alive called DOC SAVAGE: HIS APOCALYPTIC LIFE. Which "SJ" will no doubt excoriate upon its imminent reissue. Bottom line: TARZAN ALIVE is a unique, well-thought-out book by one of our most influential, controversial, and erudite writers of fantastic fiction. Self-appointed purists who decry Farmer's application of literary archaeology to PJF's own favourite literary character as some kind of sacrilege do themselves, and the unfortunates on forums such as this who must read their reactionary tripe, an enormous disservice. If you are of a fan of Farmer, pulps, ERB, literary criticism, and/ or Lord Greystoke himself, give this fascinating volume a read.

I first read this book when I was ten or so, but I have returned to it time after time a an adult. Phil Farmer, a noted science fiction writer, wrote this book, which proports to be a biography of the man upon whom Edgar Rice Borroguhs based his Tarzan novles.

When you read this, you will find yourself wondering if Farmer is pulling one of the greatest literary practical jokes ever, or if Farmer actually does believe that Tarzan was a real person, and, inevitably, you will find yourself wondering if Tarzan actually was a real person.

The biography of Tarzan is useful if you are a fan of the Edgar Rice Burroguhs books. Farmer will show how some of the more outlandish elements of the books can be scientifically explained, and how they might ahve happened in the world you and I inhabit. The book is also useful if you have never read Burroughs and are looking for a quick introduction to his most popular series.

The endnotes, where Farmer sketches Tarzan's family tree and shows how e was related to Sherlock Holmes, Leopold Bloom, the Shadow, Nero Wolfe and a number of other lierary characters is also fascinating.

Bison Books has become one of my favorite publishing houses. They have taken upon themselves the almost thankless task of republishing the out of print classics-and I might add, the out of print essentials-of science fiction.

This new edition of "Tarzan Alive" is already a treasured possession. In addition to having the original text, they have included some of Philip Jose Farmer's extras, such as the text of his interview with Lord Greystoke and his worship's memories. We can, therefore, call this the "Director's Cut" edition.

By the way, the cover art takes the cake! I has to be my favorite image of Lord Greystoke!

For the uninitiated, "Tarzan Alive" is a faux-biography of Burroughs's famous ape man. What makes this book interesting is Farmer's extensive research: take a look at the Greystoke coat of arms-you get a feel for Farmer's desire to make Tarzan as real as possible. Another gem is Farmer's assertion that the apes were really a form of Australopitheci. This makes more sense, in as much as the apes have their on language, Mangani.

Although the book asserts that it is reprint "in its entirety" (p. vii), there is one omission. In the hardback editions, Farmer had included a genealogical table of Tarzan, and his many famous relatives, such as Sherlock Holmes, James Bond, and Doc Savage. Admittedly, in many of the later paperback editions this family tree was also omitted; however, I would have preferred it to be included.

For the curious, any good "World Newton Family" web page will have a copy of this key chart.

With that one let-down, I recommend this book for fans of the Ape Man, or anyone into the Victorian Classics or the retro Steam Punk novels. Hopefully with the success of this book, Bison will publish its companion volume "Doc Savage: His Apocalyptic Life," and include the revised family tree.

This book is probably Philip Jose Farmer's magnum opus and is the culmination of Farmer's lifelong fascination with the character of Tarzan of the Apes. The ape man has appeared in many various guises in many works of his literature. This volume is a work of love to the character of Tarzan and a tribute to one of Farmer's favorite authors.

There have been biographies of fictional character prior to the appearance of Tarzan Alive, most noticably perhaps C. Northcote Parkinson's biography of Horatio Hornblower and William S. Baring-Gould's biography of Sherlock Holmes. In terms of research I would rate Tarzan Alive as equal to either of those two volumes. In presentation of material I would have to rate Tarzan Alive above the other two books, for not only does Farmer give up a biographical presentation of Tarzan's life he also gives us a chronology and as an additional bonus he delves into Tarzan's genealogy demonstrating that Tarzan's lineage not only includes other characters from Burroughs' writings but also some very famous figures from world literature such as the aforementioned Sherlock Homes.

Tarzan Alive is a fascinating, wonderful read that truly makes you wonder if Tarzan was indeed a living person. He did his job well. At the age of thirteen when I first read it I was convinced that he was a real, living person... and quite truthfully, I have not totally shaken that belief.

I am glad that this new edition came out my original Bantam paperback has been read so many times that it is held together by prayers and many layers of scotch tape.

If you are a fan of Tarzan, Burroughs, Philip Jose Farmer,pulp fiction, fictional biographies or just a fan of well written and entertaining literature, I cannot recommend Tarzan Alive highly enough.

I first read this book back in 1972. I loved it then, and this new edition with PJF's interview with the ape-man and the excerpt from Mother was a lovely Beast, make it a wonderful book indeed. Not to mention the great cover picture. Not everyone will agree with Farmer's methods or ideas, but this book was a labor of love by a man who loved the Tarzan character and wanted to share his thoughts with fans everywhere. Tarzan Alive reveals more about Tarzan's persona, the way he thinks and how he looks at the world than any other book. A great gift for Tarzan fans of all ages.

This is the assumed biography of the Lord Greystroke, Tarzan. It's a key piece of Philip Jose Farmer's extended Wold Newton family/universe. It takes the "novels" of Edgar Rice Burroughs as approximate facts and fills in the "true" story of Tarzan. This is an especially important book historically in the science fiction area of assumed biography, mixing the literary characters back into the real world. And it's a good read...

Tarzan of the Apes is the GREATEST fictional hero of all time!
In Tarzan Alive, Mr. Farmer places Lord Greystoke in a world where he exist side by side with Heroes and Villians almost his equal.
This book, along with it's follow up, Doc Savage: His Apocalyptic Life, changed my life!
Really!!!
Farmer got me reading books I never would have gone near otherwise.
Wanna make your Universe bigger?
BUY THIS BOOK!!!!!

Chuck Loridans

Farmer's direct tribute to Edgar Rice Burroughs is a fictional biography of Tarzan. It is probably not going to be interesting to those who have never read one of Burroughs' Tarzan books, but those who have will find "Tarzan Alive" a treasure of entertainment. It is nice to see that this book has returned to print, being an important reader's guide to the most famous fictional character of the 20th century.

It would be very easy to dismiss the Tarzan books as simple entertainment saturated with ignorant descriptions of Africa. Farmer takes on the task of making the reader regard Burroughs more seriously, by insisting the Tarzan is a real person and Burroughs a biographer. All the inaccuracies and obvious fiction are attempts by Burroughs to protect the still-living Tarzan. Farmer never uses a cheap "you're in on the joke" device and saturates the book with meticulous research. Instead of annoyance, the errors in Burroughs' narratives becoming interesting in their own right: soon the reader is drawn into Farmer's quest for the "real" story behind the Tarzan books. Burroughs' theme of the nature of man vs. nurture by man's environment is more appreciated. Farmer insists that he has interviewed the Ape-man himself, and this edition contains that interview.

This is a nice companion to any of the Burroughs Tarzan books, and a key to appreciating Farmer's own Tarzan-spired fiction ("Lord Tyger," "Dark Heart of Time," the Opar books, etc.).

This is great. Almost mind-boggling the effort that Farmer has put in, here. Try and find the men with grey eyes. :) G-8 became schizoid after a breakdown, becoming The Shadow and The Spider. That is just fabulous.