Librivox recording of Tarzan of the Apes.

Tarzan of the Apes is Burroughs’ exciting, if improbable, story of an English lord, left by the death of his stranded parents in the hands of a motherly African ape who raises him as her own. Although he is aware that he is different from the apes of his tribe, who are neither white nor hairless, he nevertheless regards them as his “people.” When older, larger, stronger apes decide that he an undesirable to be killed or expelled from the tribe, it is fortunate that Tarzan has learned the use of primitive weapons.

Although small and weak by ape standards, Tarzan is a human of god-like strength and agility to men who discover him. By studying these people, he gradually decides he is not an ape at all, but human.

And when he meets Jane, a beautiful American girl marooned with her father and friends on the hostile coast of Africa, Tarzan conceives love for her. When they are unexpectedly rescued before Tarzan can find a way to reveal his feelings to Jane, he determines to become civilized and follow her into the world of people – to find her and wed her, though he must cross continents and oceans, and compete with two other suitors for her hand.

This story was the subject of a successful film in 1932, with Tarzan being played by Johnny Weissmuller, who acted in a further eleven Tarzan films. According to Weissmuller in an interview with Mike Douglas, his famous ape-call was audio stitched together from a soprano, an alto, and a hog-caller! Summary by Mark F. Smith


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M4B audiobook of complete book


This audio is part of the collection: The LibriVox Free Audiobook Collection
It also belongs to collections: Audio Books & Poetry; Community Audio

Artist/Composer: Edgar Rice Burroughs
Date: 2007-09-07
Source: Librivox recording of a public-domain text
Keywords: Tarzan; apes; jungle; shipwreck; librivox

Creative Commons license: Public Domain

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Reviewer: awat - - May 18, 2013
Subject: Very good
This is a very good recording by Mark Smith. The story itself was very enjoyable as well.

Reviewer: LesM - - April 18, 2013
Subject: Brilliant
I had forgotten how good the Tarzan books were. This excellent reading has reminded me how good they are and I will be listening to the others in the series.
Mark is an excellent reader. He helps the characters come alive. Thanks Mark!.

Reviewer: Goddefroy - - June 13, 2012
Subject: Uitstekend
Het die boek as kind gelees. Dit was so 55 jaar gelede.

Het dit weer terdee geniet en waardeer die lese se stem.

Dankie

Reviewer: lanternland - - January 24, 2012
Subject: Excellent!
I really enjoyed this book and this reader. I didn't want it to end!

Reviewer: trail_runnr - - September 26, 2008
Subject: Thoroughly enjoyable
Mark Smith gets 5 stars for his reading of this book. His reading coupled with the Burroughs’ story makes this a great addition to ANY audio book library.

This is a wonderful story and I feel like I missed something in my childhood by not being exposed to this classic. I am surprised at how much I thoroughly enjoyed the entire book. I immediately went searching for the next book in the series. The next book “The Return of Tarzan” is in the process of being recorded. If you enjoyed this one as much as I did here is a link to request an email when “The Return of Tarzan” is completed.

Under works in progress: http://librivox.org/newcatalog/search.php?title=Tarzan&author=&status=all&action=Search

Reviewer: ally99 - - August 10, 2008
Subject: Great job Mr. Smith!
This is my first review of a librivox audio book, but Mark Smith did such a fantastic job reading this book that I decided to review it. His voice is smooth and clear and is truly enjoyable to listen to. The story was WONDERFUL, and much different than the Disney portrayal! Thanks, Mark, for the pleasant summer read. :)

Reviewer: FNH - - May 11, 2008
Subject: Free Audio, Review
Everyone knows who Tarzan is. Or at least we think we do! When I finally got round to listening to the actual book I found out things that had never been hinted at by the saturday morning Tarzan films.

Tarzan is raised by the Apes, and the book reveals what that means. It means Tarzan doesn't have a lot of the human feelings and sensibilities. Humans at first scare him, then he becomes a murderer and a canibal. He doesn't know any better of course and so doesn't even consider it as doing anything wrong.

The story evolved a little slowly, and started with Tarzan's parents going on a trip. However once the parents pop-their-clogs the story becomes a lot more interesting. The auther develops the Apes as real characters and we as listeners are not bored by their interactions.

The story jumps another notch once humans move into the apes part of the jungle. So we have a story that speeds up and gets better as it goes and therefore draws you in and keeps you interested.

The reader is this case is fast becoming one of my favourite Librivox readers, Mark Smith. He also read Mysterious Island which I reviewed a while ago.

Reading 3/3
Production 2/3
Story 2/3

Total 7/9

You can read more of my reviews at http://freeaudioreview.blogspot.com/