At the Earth's Core

David Innes is a young man who has just inherited a large mining company. An eccentric inventor, Abner Perry, convinces Innes to underwrite a project to build an 'iron mole,' claiming it will make them both wealthy. The mechanical beast works well, actually too well. On the maiden voyage, instead of digging for a few minutes and returning, they plunge straight through the earth's crust into the 'inner world' of Pellucidar. This world resembles earth but is a horizon-less, primeval tropical landscape where the sun neither sets nor rises, and is populated by 'Sagoth' gorilla men, wild human slaves, and the ruling hypnotic reptilian 'Mahars.'

Upon arrival at this strange world, the men are immediately captured and enslaved. But soon Perry learns to read the language of the Mahars, and discovers a secret way to turn the tables! True to Burroughs form, this nonstop fantasy thriller weaves together savage islanders, pterodactyls, telepathy, and, of course, romance.

©2003 Tantor Media, Inc. (P)2003 Tantor Media, Inc.

A favorite story

One of my favorite Edgar Rice Burroughs novels, well narrated. Prehistoric creatures, cavemen and women, and high adventure.

This is a childhood favorite

This is a childhood favorite of mine. The Pellucidar series is one of the things that turned me in not a reader. The reader's performance is simple, solid, but not special.

interesting premise, but...

it's a theme we've seen before, hollow earth, prehistoric jungle, etc. all that's great. the story moves right along, seemingly skipping over a lot of necessary steps. they have just arrived in this world, but within a paragraph have learned a new language and determined names for all of these strange species.

I can overlook that, it's still an entertaining story.

the part that I couldn't get past without comment is this:

The two explorers decide that they have "been sent" here to disrupt the natural order of this world and put humanity in "it's rightful place" as the dominant controlling species.. and to evangelize and make them all christian.

I know it's an old story, but the idea that human kind is superior, and religion is necessary took the fun out of the story for me.

Sci Fi and Romance before Raiders of the Lost Ark

Sci Fi and Romance, constant thrills, all the staple of ERB's writting, is epitomized by At the Earth's Core. This story is not subtle nor believable, but neither was the Raiders of the Lost Ark. It is sheer entertainment, something to listen to when driving, doing the dishes or gardening. If you never read ERB, I suggest starting with Tarzan or John Carter's Mar series, their story line is better developed, but if you enjoyed those, you will enjoy At the Earth's core.

Good story.

could have been better with a few small tweaks but is still a good adventure story.