The Chessmen of Mars

Written by Edgar Rice Burroughs, The Chessmen of Mars presents a fantasy work first published in 1922. When Tara, princess of Helium and daughter of John Carter, crashes her flier in a storm, she finds herself captured by the horrific Kaldanes, large heads with crab-like legs who ride headless human bodies. Prince Gahan of Gathol sets out to rescue her, but conceals his identity as a humble mercenary. Together they must survive the deadly city of Manator, where captives fight to the death as living pieces in a giant chess game. Themes of Mars (Planet) and Science fiction give the work a clear emotional and intellectual center. Edgar Rice Burroughs relies on a vivid, forward-moving style that invites wonder and discovery, allowing mood and structure to carry as much meaning as subject matter. At roughly 88,506 words with a fairly easy reading profile, it offers a reading commitment that is easy to judge before beginning while still leaving room for close attention. The work remains relevant through the freedom fantasy gives writers to examine courage, identity, power, and belonging. It remains worth reading for the precision with which it turns Mars (Planet) and Science fiction into a sustained literary experience.