The Outlaw Of Torn

by Edgar Rice Burroughs

Book Overview

The Outlaw of Torn is a historical novel by Edgar Rice Burroughs, originally published as a five-part serial in New Story Magazine from January to May 1914, and first published in book form by A. C.... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0441645143
• Release Date: May 1981
• Publisher: Ace
• Length: 255 Pages
• Weight: 0.35 lbs.
• Dimensions: 5.0" x 1.0" x 7.0"

Customer Reviews

A great swordplay pulp novel from Edgar Rice Burroughs

Edgar Rice Burroughs is best known for his Tarzan novels and better known for his Mars, Pellucidar and other science-fiction series, but "The Outlaw of Torn" is one of his best pulp fiction yarns. It was actually the second story Burroughs wrote. Apparently the editor at "All-Story," which had published "Tarzan of the Apes," suggested ERB write it and then rejected the story when it was submitted. It was then published in five parts in "New Story Magazine" (January-May 1914), and the first book edition was published in 1927. Burroughs begins with his standard storytelling device: the author comes across the story of Richard, the lost prince of England and tells it to his readers. Henry III of England insults Sir Jules de Vac, who takes his vengeance by kidnapping young Prince Richard. As Norman, the Outlaw of Torn, the young man becomes the greatest swordsman in England and a fearless outlaw with a price upon his head who raises an army loyal only to him. Of course, although he is ignorant of his noble birth, he is drawn to the lovely Bertrade de Montfort, daughter of the King's brother-in-law, the Earl of Leicester. This romance fits in nicely with the plans of de Vac, who contrives situations in which the king will be responsible for killing his own son. Yes, the ending is predictable, but ERB has a great sense of pacing and you have to remember that he was writing this decades before all of the Errol Flynn movies that would define the swordplay genre. The obvious comparison for "The Outlaw of Torn" is with Robin Hood, but Burroughs' pulp novel has its own tale to tell. This really is one of his best novels and as an example of the pulp fiction of the early 20th century it is a first-class work. Keep in mind that he tended to do a lot of sequels, and they started to get rather redundant and repetitive (especially in the last half of the Tarzan novels). But "The Outlaw of Torn" stands out because as a historical novel it is unlike pretty much everything else Burroughs wrote. I read every ERB novel I could get my hands on as a kid, and "The Outlaw of Torn," in my 75 cent Ace Paperback edition with the Roy Krenkle cover, has been the one I have re-read the most.

The Dark side of Robin Hood

This book shows the dark side of Robin Hood. The main character robs and plunders castles. While the readers know that he is believing he is doing good. This book has various sub plots and the reader is completly entertained by them. This book is a short and quick reader. An average person can sit down and read this whole book in about six hours. This a great book and has all the pages of a great novel. Romance, fighting, and misunderstanding of a good, curl up around the fire place, and read till you are finished type book. I own serval versions and always looking for the books to give to friends.

A classic tale of good versus evil set in medieval England.

Fiction meets historical fiction in a pleasant departure from what I term "the ERB formula", The Outlaw of Torn takes place during one of the most difficult and violent times in English history. Resulting from hatred, jealousy and the continual struggle for power between King Henry III and Earl Simon De Montfort, the stage is set for a vengeful man to nurture and manipulate a child to become the most feared and ruthless warlord of his time. But, can a man live his life in constant conflict with his true nature? I first read this book in the early seventies and I've re-read it many times. It still remains my all-time favorite book. I'm tempted to send a copy to Hollywood.

A Classic Tale of War and Romance

Although one of Burroughs' greatest works, curiously this book still remains relatively unknown. Set in wild and lawless 13th Century England, "The Outlaw of Torn" details the life of a bloodthirsty outlaw who becomes one of England's noblest heroes. As this outcast from society learns life's lessons about love and war, loyalty and betrayal, and friendship and hate, the reader will be rapidly swept along by Burroughs' masterful storytelling. I've read this book at least two dozen times, and each time it gets better. "The Outlaw of Torn" has my absolute highest recommendation.

Loved it as a kid and love it as an adult.

This book is must reading for any Edgar Rice Burroughs fan! This is one of those stories that sticks with you long after it is read. In the top 5 of his best!......Billy York