The Chessmen of Mars: Edgar Rice Burroughs Authorized Library / Barsoom Saga 5

Book 5 of the Barsoom Saga - Authorized by Edgar Rice Burroughs, Inc., and Featuring Rare and Previously Unpublished Archival Materials

The largest storm known to the history of Barsoom sweeps the flier of Tara of Helium, headstrong daughter of John Carter and Dejah Thoris, halfway across the face of the planet to the mysterious Valley of Bantoom. There rule the ghoulish, bodiless heads known as kaldanes riding upon the eerie headless torsos of their rykor mounts. Behind Tara comes the warrior Gahan of Gathol, intent on rescuing the princess who has spurned his love. But escape from the spine-chilling warrens of Bantoom's kaldane king will lead Tara and Gahan-along with Ghek, their unlikely kaldane companion-to the even stranger and deadlier city of Manator, where they must survive the arena in a bloodthirsty game of living chess.

This special edition Edgar Rice Burroughs Authorized Library compilation and all other new material therein (c) Edgar Rice Burroughs, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Trademarks John Carter(R), John Carter of Mars(R), Dejah Thoris(R), Tars Tarkas(R), Tara of Helium(TM), Barsoom(R), A Princess of Mars(R), Gods of Mars(R), Warlord of Mars(R), Edgar Rice Burroughs(R), and Edgar Rice Burroughs Authorized Library(TM) Owned by Edgar Rice Burroughs, Inc.

The creator of the immortal characters Tarzan of the Apes and John Carter of Mars, Edgar Rice Burroughs is one of the world's most popular authors. His timeless tales of heroes and heroines transport readers from the jungles of Africa and the dead sea bottoms of Barsoom to the miles-high forests of Amtor and the savage inner world of Pellucidar, and even to alien civilizations beyond the farthest star. Mr. Burroughs' books are estimated to have sold hundreds of millions of copies, and they have spawned 60 films and 250 television episodes.

Geary Gravel is the author of the Edgar Rice Burroughs Universe novel John Carter of Mars: Gods of the Forgotten; the Philip K. Dick Award finalist The Alchemists; and the novels The Pathfinders, A Key for the Nonesuch, and Return of the Breakneck Boys. He has written several novelizations, including Hook, based on the Steven Spielberg film, and Batman: Mask of the Phantasm, based on the animated movie. He lives in western Massachusetts, where he worked for decades as a Sign Language Interpreter for the Deaf.

Joe Jusko is among today's most acclaimed fantasy, pin-up, and comic artists. His work has been featured on book and comic posters, and on the much-praised 1992 Marvel Masterpieces trading cards. Jusko is a recipient of myriad industry honors, including a Certificate of Merit from the Society of Illustrators and a 2001 Chesley Award nomination. Fittingly, he was born on September 1, sharing his birthday with Edgar Rice Burroughs. Jusko's longtime love of Burroughs' work continues to inspire him in illustrating the Authorized Library and bringing the author's creative vision to life.