Edgar Rice Burroughs had a gift for throwing his most famous creation into impossible situations, and this tenth Tarzan book might be the most outlandish yet. It starts with Tarzan's usual adventures—rescuing a young woman named Jana from a hostile tribe—but takes a sharp turn into science fiction when they're captured by the Minunians.

The Story

The Minunians are a race of people only about a foot tall, living in sophisticated stone cities. Through their advanced science, Tarzan is shrunk down to their size. Suddenly, the jungle lord who commanded elephants is struggling against insects. He's thrust into the middle of a brutal war between two Minunian city-states. As a prisoner and then a warrior, Tarzan has to use all his adaptability to survive in this Lilliputian world, where the rules have completely changed. The core of the story is his fight to protect his friends, influence the war, and somehow find a way back to his own world.

Why You Should Read It

This isn't a deep character study—it's a thrill ride. The joy is in the sheer invention. Burroughs builds this tiny world with such vivid detail that you completely buy into it. Tarzan himself is fascinating here. Stripped of his physical dominance, his true strength—his intelligence, courage, and moral code—shines through. He becomes a strategist and a leader in a way we don't always see. The book moves at a breakneck pace, jumping from one cliffhanger to the next. It's a masterclass in pulp storytelling: never a dull moment, always another surprise around the corner.

Final Verdict

This book is perfect for anyone who loves classic adventure with a twist of the fantastic. If you enjoy the old-school spirit of stories where anything can happen, you'll have a blast. It's also a great pick for fans of 'what if' scenarios and imaginative world-building, even if that world is only a foot tall. New readers might want to start with the first Tarzan book, but this stands alone as a fun, self-contained romp. Just be ready to turn off the modern critic in your brain and enjoy the ride. It's pure, undiluted escapism from a master of the genre.