The versatile Philip Jose Farmer delighted in writing biographies of imaginary characters. One of Farmer’s best is Tarzan Alive: A Definitive Biography of Lord Greystoke. I prefer the Bison Books edition that contains a Forward by Win Scott Eckert and an Introduction by Mike Resnick. Farmer’s detailed examination of Lord Greystoke’s incredible life “corrects” some of errors in Edgar Rice Burroughs’ version. This Bison Books edition also includes Farmer’s “Exclusive Interview with Lord Greystoke” and “Extracts from the Memoirs of Lord Greystoke.” Farmer’s intimate knowledge of the Tarzan Saga coupled with his sense of mythic design makes Tarzan Alive an unforgettable reading experience.
I was pretty sure I’d read this so went back and checked and I had – on January 1, 1975.
I don’t have the Bison edition, but I still have the Popular Library pb I bought all those years ago. Hope you’re feeling chipper today!
A great book by one of my all time favorite writers.
I’m not much of a fan of PJF, thought the Riverworld series was pretty bad, at least the two that I read, but this sounds like it could be a hoot. I’ll have to check if it’s available at the library.
I’m just now reading the Tarzan novels thanks to my Kindle. I’ve always wanted to read Farmer’s book, but never found a copy. I’ll have to keep an eye peeled.
This particular edition- the Playboy Press edition… Anyone know who the cover artist was? I have searched for a long time trying to find out who the artist is. Doesn’t say in the book nor anywhere on the internet that I can find. Looks though like one of the Spanish artists who were credited to many covers of this sort. But cannot find it. Let me know.
Jason, you might address your inquiry about the cover artist to Rich Horton: http://rrhorton.blogspot.com and John O’Neill at https://www.blackgate.com
Long time in finding an answer to your question but if you’re still wondering who painted the cover for the Playboy Press edition of Tarzan Alive the artist was Jorge Longaron. Also known as Jordi Longaron I Llopart
Jason, thank you for the information on the caver artist for the PLAYBOY PRESS edition of TARZAN ALIVE.