Pellucidar

Edgar Rice BurroughsJan 2016

3.8

Word count: 64K words
Chapters: 17

Summary

Pellucidar by Edgar Rice Burroughs is the sequel to his science fiction novel At the Earth's Core. In this story, David Innes returns once more to the Inner World of Pellucidar, this time in an attempt to rescue Diane. Determined to save her, he sets out on a long and hazardous expedition that carries him thousands of miles across the inner earth. The journey tests his courage and endurance as he presses onward through the unknown depths of the subterranean world, never losing sight of his goal: to bring Diane back safely.

Editor's review

As the sequel to *At the Earth's Core*, this novel returns readers to Pellucidar, Burroughs's inner world. Unlike the wonder of discovery in the first book, the main thread here is a rescue expedition spanning thousands of miles, with a pace tilted toward adventurous marching and geographical exploration, continually unveiling the strange ecology and tribal landscape of the inner world along the way. Burroughs excels at weaving tense pursuits, primal survival threats, and the protagonist's resolute will into a brisk, old-fashioned adventure read. For readers drawn to the "lost world" motif, the book offers a full extension of the worldbuilding: the inner world is not a one-off spectacle but a space that can be measured, crossed, and contested politically. Read it as a pre-space-age expedition road movie, savoring the sense of space and adventure rhythm rather than demanding modern hard-SF consistency. It suits continuous reading in short sessions and works as an accessible sample of early popular science fiction adventure.

Who it's for

A good fit for

SF readers who enjoy lost-world and inner-earth exploration themes
Burroughs fans who want to read the Pellucidar series systematically
Readers who prefer fast-paced adventure narratives driven by plot
Readers interested in the tradition of early popular science fiction

Not a good fit for

Readers expecting rigorous, self-consistent hard-SF worldbuilding
Readers unaccustomed to the pacing of old-fashioned adventure fiction
Readers who prefer psychological depth and literary experimentation in character

Reading tips

Read *At the Earth's Core* first for a better grasp of character motivations and worldbuilding.
Sketch a map of inner-earth geography and tribal relations as you read to follow the expedition route.
Read it continuously as a genre adventure to avoid losing the rhythm during long breaks.

Copyright information
PROLOGUE
CHAPTER I
CHAPTER II
CHAPTER III
CHAPTER IV
CHAPTER V
CHAPTER VI
CHAPTER VII
CHAPTER VIII
CHAPTER IX
CHAPTER X
CHAPTER XI
CHAPTER XII
CHAPTER XIII
CHAPTER XIV
CHAPTER XV

FAQ

Can I read this without having read *At the Earth's Core*?

Yes, but the experience will be diminished. This is a direct sequel: the protagonist David Innes's motivations, the discovery of the inner world, and Dian's identity all build on the previous book. If you start here, read a summary of the first book first; otherwise some plot turns will seem abrupt.

Is this hard science fiction or adventure fiction?

Closer to adventure fiction. Its core appeal is the expedition across the inner world, its strange ecology, and survival challenges; the science serves the adventure narrative and does not aim for the rigorous extrapolation of modern hard SF. Read it with genre-adventure expectations for a smoother experience.

What is the main plot thread?

The main thread is David Innes's return to the inner world and his organization and execution of an expedition spanning thousands of miles to rescue Dian. The progress of the journey and the obstacles posed by inner-world tribes and the natural environment drive the narrative throughout.

Comments

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About the author

Edgar Rice Burroughs Author

Edgar Rice Burroughs was an important early writer of popular adventure fiction. Public information about the details of his life is limited, yet his works have had a lasting influence. This library holds three of his works: Warlord of Mars, Pellucidar, and Tarzan of the Apes, which point respectively to Martian adventure, the strange inner world, and jungle coming-of-age themes. Burroughs's writing is known for its brisk pace and bold imagination; he often places protagonists in unfamiliar and dangerous settings, driving their growth through survival tests and self-discipline, which is why his works are often classified as inspirational coming-of-age fiction. His Tarzan figure in particular has become an enduring symbol in popular culture. Overall, Burroughs expanded the imaginative space of popular literature through fantastical settings and adventure narratives, and his influence on later science fiction and adventure writing remains significant.