Presents

John Coleman Burroughs at work in his studio
From Tarzana, California
A Danton Burroughs
and
John Coleman Burroughs
Family Archive Feature
Danton Burroughs

Volume 1173

Treasure of the Black Falcon
by John Coleman Burroughs
A journey to the center of an Atlantian abyss, many-thousand leagues under the sea,
to find gold, adventure, romance, drug addiction,
and the progeny of creatures from beyond the farthest planet?
Part 3 of a Series
Review and Fan Letters
From the
John Coleman Burroughs Correspondence File

PART I 
Introduction ~ Brief Synopsis ~ Review
Authors Preface ~ Characters
PART II 
A Summary With Selective Commentary 
by Mary McGeehan Wild 
PART III
Gridley Wave Review by Al Howard
Fan Letters

 
 

JCB's last novel, Treasure of the Black Falcon, was published by Ballantine Books, Inc., March 1967.

It had been written twenty years earlier but was shelved and forgotten after numerous rejections. 

During the Burroughs boom of the '60s, however, brother Hulbert came across the manuscript and submitted it to Ballantine Books where it was eagerly accepted. 

John Coleman's dedication in the book reads: "To my brother Hulbert who found the Treasure." 

Ballantine's cover blurb reads: "A new name in fantastic adventure -- a name that perpetuates the best traditions of the creator of the Tarzan and Mars books. Bursting with action, packed with new ideas, TREASURE OF THE BLACK FALCON is thrilling adventure in the grand tradition. Ballantine Books is proud to be the publisher of JOHN COLEMAN BURROUGHS." 


 
TREASURE OF THE BLACK FALCON 
by John Coleman Burroughs
Ballantine Books, Inc. NY
U6085. 1967
Paper covers. 4 1/4"x7"
256 pp. 75 cents

A Review by Al Howard
Featured in the Gridley Wave
Issue #22 ~ May 1967
Newsletter of the
Burroughs Bibliophiles
This story is one which can be added to the still comparatively slim shelf of marvelous undersea adventure. With the publication of the long awaited Treasure of the Black Falcon" it is a pleasure to welcome the Burroughs by-line on a new book once again. John  Coleman writes with some inevitable echoes of Edgar Rice in this science fantasy novel. 

What starts out as a routine treasure hunt in a submarine of advanced design turn into a true "voyage to the bottom of the sea". The sub is caught up in a powerful under ocean current and swept down some 3500 fathoms to a great air-filled crater. There the treasure hunters encounter a strange race of telepathic creatures from interstellar space, the Jogulars, whose individual members are each a giant brain. These brains, when in the embryo form, take over the bodies of newly drowned men and animals, eventually replacing them with solid brain tissue which has become physical simulacra of the deceased. Nearly immortal, the brain men, with all the instincts, memories and emotions of the former humans feel that they really are that human or animal, as the case may be.

The underwater crater realm of the brain men is a "lost world" to rank with Caspak. Our explorers arrive in time to be caught up in the middle of a factional fight between ancient Roman and Georgian British brain men. Some members of the submarine crew, dying from various causes, including the violent, are resurrected to a strange after-life, and provide the eventual balance of power when it is needed. For romance there is the love of the skipper of the sub and its girl co-owner, who is incidentally the descendant of the captain of the sunken treasure vessel and now the leader of the British brain men. 

"Treasure of the Black Falcon" is a straightforward and unabashed adventure story, whose sole purpose is to entertain, and it succeeds in that endeavor more often than not. You must take it for what it is. It has no social significance, points no moral, and neither poses nor solves any problems. The sub crew meet with some highly improbably natural phenomena, both at the bottom of the sea and in the crater world. Science fiction fans may get mad. Actually, while the reader will be apt to find the whole thing outrageously unbelievable he will find himself hooked into reading on. There are no outstanding strong characters, and a few superfluous ones, particularly the stowaway mute, Bucky, who is killed off early to no particular purpose. 

Burroughs Bibliophiles should need no urging to buy and read this book, and they are sure to enjoy it.


March 21, 1967
Allan Howard
157 Grafton Avenue
Newark, N.J.  07104

Mr. John Coleman Burroughs
Tarzana, California
Dear Mr. Burroughs:
    I have just finished and sent off, at Vernell Coriell's request, a short review of "Treasure of the Black Falcon" for publication in THE GRIDLEY WAVE (I think). I enjoyed the book, and think you will find the review generally favorable.
    However, there was one thing that I found most puzzling and I would appreciate you telling me what it meant. On page 94 there is a sentence referring to the underwater rifles that shoot pellets of salt. It reads: "It was similar in principle to the later well-known Aqualian rifle used by the hordes that overran the city of San Francisco.
    It makes no sense, in or out of context with anything else in the story. The only guess I can make at the moment is that you did some revision, and it was a sentence that you forgot to remove. Or perhaps it is an oblique reference to be used a as tie-in to some other book you have written.
    I will be looking forward with pleasure to any future JCB books.
        Very truly yours, (sig)
        Allan Howard


 
 
1967
John Erickson
210 Biddulph Road,
Radnor, Pennsylvania  19087
Dear Sirs:
    FIRST OF ALL I WANT TO CONGRATULATE JOHN COLEMAN BURROUGHS FOR HIS NEW BOOK "TREASURE OF THE BLACK FALCON". A VERY GOOD JOB INDEED. ITS AS GOOD AS MANY OF LATE FATHER'. I WISH HE HAD LIVED TO SEE IT. I KNOW THAT WHEREVER HE IS RIGHT NOW THAT HE IS GAZING DOWN WITH THE LOOK OF A VERY PROUD PARENT.
    IF JCB SHOULD DECIDE TO CONTINUE WRITING MAY I MAKE A SUGGESTION (ONE YOU'VE HEARD BEFORE AND WILL HEAR AGAIN I'M SURE)? WHY NOT FINISH HIS FATHER'S UNCOMPLETED TARZAN, MARS, VENUS, POLODA, ETC. NOVELS AND WHEN DONE CONTINUE ON WITH HIS OWN BOOKS. HE IS MUCH TOO TALENTED MERELY TO BE THE MAN WHO COMPLETED HIS FATHER'S GREAT WORK. HE HAS AN ORIGINAL MIND AND IT SHOULD BE DIVERTED INTO ORIGINAL CHANNELS. (HOW ABOUT YOU HULBERT, CARE TO TAKE A WHACK AT IT?)
    SECOND I HAVE HEARD OF A PUBLICATION COMING UP IN MID-APRIL WHICH I MUST SAY SURPRISES ME. IT IS CALLED "THE HEART OF BURROUGH'S JOURNALS" AND IT IS TO BE PUBLISHED BY KENNIKAT PRESS FOR $10. IT IS A REPRINT. I NEVER EVEN HEARD OF THE FIRST PRINTING OR FOR THAT MATTER KENNITKAT PRESS. I DON'T HAVE ITS ADDRESS AND NO BOOK STORE I HAVE EVER ASKED HAS EITHER. DO YOU KNOW IT? I WOULD LOVE TO OBTAIN A COPY.
    THIRD DO YOU STILL INTEND PUBLISHING ERB'S UNPUBLISHED WORKS AND HART TO GET NOVELS? AND HAVE YOU DECIDED ON A DATE YET? IF SO DO YOU KNOW WHAT YOU'RE GOING TO PUBLISH YET? SORRY I HAVE TO BOTHER YOU ABOUT IT, BUT, I HAVE NO OTHER WAY OF FINDING OUT AND i SHOULD HATE TO MISS OUT.

BEST WISHES FOR 67,
SINCERELY
JOHN ERICKSON


 
 
March 6, 1967
Lawrence King
Apt. 704
700 South Ocean Blvd.
Boca Raton, Florida  33432

John Coleman Burroughs
c/o Edgar Rice Burroughs, Inc.
Tarzana, California  91356
Dear Mr. Burroughs:
    I see in the latest issue of "The Gridley Wave" that you would be "pleased to autograph" copies of Treasure of the Black Falcon. My Goodness!  I scarcely expected that. The volume came out here  (Champaign, Illinois, where I attend the University of Illinois) last Thursday, so I have not had time to read it yet; however, I bought two copies, so I should have it read by the time you receive this letter. Could you please autograph the copy I am sending to you?  And return it ot my home, in Florida.
    I have quite a few first editions of your father's books in my collection, and I always enjoyed your illustrations. My favorite would have to be those for Llana of GAthol. I recently obtained copies of the magazine stories which you wrote with your brother - "The Bottom of the World" being my favorite, but he other two being probably more "thought provoking".
    I understand that more volumes will follow Treasure. I hope so! Thank you very much.
            Yours sincerely, (sig)
            Lawrence King


 
March 17, 1967
J. Kevin Toelle
20215 Barberry Drive
Springfield, Illinois  62704

Dear Mr. Burroughs,
    With this letter I am mailing a copy of your book "Treasure of the Black Falcon" which I would like to have autographed by yourself. IN a letter reproduced in Gridley Wave #2 your brother Hulbert said that you were willing to autograph copies of book.
    Since I know that you illustrated several of your father's books I was wondering if you did the cover painting on "Falcon"?
    Thank you very much for autographing the book and you may be sure that I will cherish this first edition.
Thanks again, Kevin Toelle
P.S. I am enclosing some stamps for return postage.


 
March 24, 1967
Tim A. Conrad
3148 E. Carpenter
Springfield, Ill  62702

Dear Mr. Burroughs,
    Well, you asked for it!  I imagine you'll develop writer's cramp autographing all these copies of TBF you must be received.  And, by God, I not one to miss out on a good opportunity when it presents itself, so here's my copy. Actually, I bet its a lot of fun! Especially all that wonderful mail!
    I haven't read the book yet (too much homework!) and will buy another copy for that purpose (preserving the autographed one as a collector's item) but, when I have read it, I'll let you know what I think of it. (I bet you're just dying to see that). But, if what Hulbert said is true and only me and one other fan said we didn't like Leiber's book, I might get a little critical. Oh well, that's later, right now I'll release you to autograph....
Sincerely, (sig) Tim A. Conrad
P.S. sign it, with my name please, on the inside front cover. Thanx again.


 
March 24, 1967
Harvey S. Bryce
3176 N. Stoddard Ave.
San Bernardino, Calif  92405
Mr. Hulbert Burroughs
%Edgar Rice Burroughs, Inc.
18354 Ventura Blvd.
Tarzana, Calif.

Dear Mr. Burroughs,
    I just finished reading the new novel: Treasure of the Black Falcon by John Coleman Burroughs and found it really exciting.
    When I first picked it up I thought John Colman Burroughs might have been a peseydeum (sic) of Edgar Rice Burroughs, but when I read the deducation I was surprised you had an enterprsing b brother for an author.
    When is Ballantine going to publish more of your dad's books. In one of your past letters to me, you mentioned that BAllantine was going to publish "I am A Barbarian." And so far I haven't seen anything on it yet.  Is it going to be publsihed? Also by any chance do yo know anything about the Rockwood Bomba books. Were they a series like Tarzan?   Are they a real British interputation by a born British author of Tarzan, but different characters? When they where published were they published here or abroad? What is the full name of the author who penned them? Has he know or in the past written any other type of book. Did your father by any chance know this author.
    Also since Jungle Jim is a jungle novel can you answer me some questions on this: Besides being a comic strip, was Jungle Jim written in book form? Who was the author of Jungle Jim?
    The reason why I am asking you so many questions, is that since you know about the Tarzan books, that somehow working with this type of material you might know something about this also.
    What is this controversy about an unfinished Tarzan story entitled Tarzan On Mars?  Forry Ackerman every once in while mentions this in his publications. Do you actually think you will ever find an author to finish it, and have it published? How about Fritz Leiber who wrote Tarzan and the VAlley of Gold?
    Thank's for your time I am,
            Sincerely Yours, (sig)
            Harvey S. Bryce


 
March 26, 1967
John Kissinger III
 Blue Mountain Academy
Hamburg, Penna.  19526
Hulbert Burroughs
Edgar Rice Burroughs, Inc.
Tarzana, California   91356
Dear Mr. Burroughs,
    I just finished reading TREASURE OF THE BLACK FALCON, and I think it is terrific. However, there were one or two things missing. I can't remember finding out what sort of a fish could change itself into the head of a human being. But I did enjoy reading it, and eagerly await more books by your brother.
    There hasn't been much said lately in the fanzines about the John CArter movie. Is it still going to be, or has it been produced yet?  Is there any chance of obtaining scripts of it?
    What is the news for I AM A BARBARIAN? To say the least, I am axioms to read this.
    Last of all, the first time I wrote to you, you said that ERB's notebook might eventually b e published in a deluxe edition. ARe there any developments along this line?
    Thank you very much for your time, and until later -- Jodades
Yours truly,
John Kissinger  III

 
March 27, 1967
Steve Cake
1828 W Isles
Springfield, Illinois  62704
Dear John,
I recently mailed you a copy of your new book. Please autograph it and mail ti back. The return stamps are enclosed.
Yours, Steve Cake

 
March 28, 1967
James Belton
64 Westman Road
Winchester,
Hants, England
Dear Mr. Burroughs,
    A quick follow up to my letter did 28th March.
    Are you interested in obtaining any of the early English 1st Editions Burroughs titles? I see various 1st Eds. at times, looking around the second hand bookshops. Naturally, you will have them all, but possibly some issues are not in good condition.
    Just before Easter I received a copy of Treasure of the Black Falcon. sent by Rev. Hardy H. Heins. I have just finished it, and I enjoyed it very much.. It certainly did cheer me up, and I should like very much to congratulate your brother John Coleman Burroughs on a great job. 
    I must explain further about cheering me up. For some time I have been troubled with sharp pains in my chest (upper) and last Thursday I was carrying a cup of coffee upstairs to my wife, when this sudden pain overcame me, and I unfortunately dropped the cup. My wife called for our doctor -- who, at once placed me on a diet, and I have to see a specialist on 29th March at our local hospital. I certainly hope all is well.

Warmest regards, 
Sincerely
James Belton
For the attention of Hulbert Burroughs and John Coleman Burroughs


 
April 12, 1967
Payton Williams
3144 Coy Dr.
Akron, Ohio  44313

ERB INC. Tarzana, Calif.   91356
Dear Mr. Burroughs;
    I would like to congratulate John Coleman on his superb book. It was recognizable as a Burroughs work. I would like to see the reprinting of the two (that's all I know of) short stories collaborated upon by you and John Coleman.  I also just obtained Fenton's "Big Swingers", and although I haven't read all of it what I have read is quite interesting.
    The reason that I wrote this letter is to ask you just exactly when Ballentine Books is printing "I Am A Barbarian"? Is Bob Abbot to do the cover? Will the hardback edition be illustrated or have a dust jacket? Thank you very much for the trouble I know this letter will cause, I am,
Yours Sincerely, PAYTON WILLIAMS
pw/pw


 
April 17, 1967
Hulbert Burroughs
Edgar Rice Burroughs, Inc.
Tarzana, California  91356
Telephone 344-0181

Mr. John C. Burroughs
24236 Malibu Road
Malibu, California   90265

Dear Jack:
    Enclosed is an Application for Registration of a Claim to Copyright in your book, TREASURE OF THE BLACK FALCON.  I have filled out all necessary information and it will now require your signature twice on Page 2 where I have indicated in red.  The bottom signature must be notarized.

    After you have accomplished the foregoing, please make out a check in the amount of $6.00 payable to the Registrar of Copyrights.  This represents the registration fee. Mail the application and check to me, and I will mail ti with two copies of the book to the Registrar of Copyrights.

    I hope this pleasant task is only the first of many copyright applications I will be able to make out for you.
Love,
HB
HB/mj
encl.


 
April 21, 1967
Stan Vinson
c/o The Ideal Electric Co.,
Mansfield, Ohio  44903
LAfayette 2-3611

Dear John:
    I am sorry to be so slow writing to thank you for the autographed copy of Black Falcon. I wanted to keep this autographed copy nice and clean for my collection. Therefore had to wait until I got extra copies to read the story.
    I enjoyed the story very much and just hope it sells as well as it should. It certainly is different, with a well developed plot as well as science. I might question why a metal helmet did not block off thought waves, but this is not important. I can see some of your Dad in the story but was glad to see that you did not try to copy his style. I sure hope it does well and am sure it should. 
    Now I hope you can do a story around the three paintings that Hully had in Oakland a few years back. With the large insects and the beautiful paintings make me wild to read the story. 
        Thanks so much,
        Stan


 
April 26, 1967
Don Walker
336 1/2 Second Avenue
San Francisco, California   94118
 Edgar Rice Burroughs, Inc.
Tarzana, California

Hulbert:
    It has been some time since I have placed myself before a typewriter to write out a letter to you. I do hope that this letter fines you in the best of health. As you can see I am not in Barstow, California, but about 420 miles north of the area. Some weeks ago I received a transfer from the Marine Corps Supply Center to Sixth US Army Audio-Visual Support Center, Presidio of San Francisco, where I'm employed as a Motion Picture Film INspector and ReClaimer (or just film editor and reclaimer)
    A few days ago, or more like it, a week ago, picked up a new novel that was written by someone who you do know quite well, I do believe. THE TREASURE OF THE BLACK FALCON, By John Coleman Burroughs. If I hadn't known that John was your brother and that Edgar, your father was gone, well it was almost like reading another of Mr Burroughs outstanding novels. Remember that I did say "Almost". I just wouldn't want John to think that he is writting the same way, or style. It is very close, but not the same, but he could write within the same style., The way that Ballantine Books puts it, a name that perpetuates the best traditions of the creator of the Tarzan and Mars books, bursting with action, packed with new ideas. (Webbed together within a pattern that very few can dream of doing.)  I am very proud that I could read this work of new ideas that is so well done. (John, I just didn't want to put the book down and I do feel the same when I reread one of Edgar's stories.)
    I picked out something from NEWSWEEK, April 10, 1967, within the section of Books. Titled: TARZAN, SON OF KALA.  The Book: The Big Swingers. Written by Robert W. Fenton. 258 Pages. Prentice-Hall. Dual biography of Edgar Rice Burroughs (1875-1950) and of Tarzan (1912-eternity)  If I can get around to dig  up the money , that will be hard to do, I would like to get it and read it.
    Some years ago, (a number of years) I did have one of the first printing of Tarzan of the Apes. A.C. McClurg & Co. But what happened to them, well I just couldn't put my finger on it.
    And at last I found another of your father's works the other day PIRATES OF VENUS. But there is still a few more that I just don't have and some how I will get my hands on them to read and to keep.
    Hulbert, have you done any writing?, I should've ask t his before but never got around to it.
    Before I bring this to a close, I do wish to say something. There is a person that I can say at this time, that could fill the bill of completing the unfinished novel that you have that your father had left (not leaving you out of this and knowing that you can do a very good job with the novel) and I was  thinking of John Burroughs. No one could tell that it wasn't completed by the master himself, that is if John did complete or your self.
    If you or John are ever up this way, in San Francisco, please feel free to come by. Take good care of yourself.
        Sincerely (sing)
            Don Walker.


 
NO DATE
Don Walker
Post Office Box 277
Tarzana, California
Mr. John Coleman Burroughs:
    I am well pleased to know that you do appreciate my kind words, that I had expressed to your brother Hulbert. And it is all quite true; I am not the type to build a blind front. There is no need to continue to say how gifted you are, etc., etc.
    Has Hulbert shown you any of the other letters that I have sent to him; no need to go into that.
    I hope that Hulbert isn't to upset by asking him about the list (shown on the new letter head) of your dad's works.
    What do you think about the future of the incompleted novel of Tarzan? I am being selfish, do to the fact, I would like to have it.
    John, would you like to work on a SF that is different and holds a mystery? I have started  the story but unable, or not have the time to complete. I wouldn't want or ask for anything from you, if you did complete it.
    If you are ever in San Francisco, please feel free to drop by  -- I can serve you coffee.
        Sincerely
        Don Walker
        336 1/2, 2nd Avenue
        San Francisco  94118

 
May 23, 1967
Larry Gillihan

MR. JOHN COLEMAN BURROUGHS
EDGAR RICE BURROUGHS, INC.
DEAR MR. BURROUGHS:
    THREE YEARS AGO, I DISCOVERED THE BALLANTINE SERIES OF EDGAR RICE BURROUGHS' "TARZAN" NOVELS. AT THAT TIME, I BECAME ADDICTED TO YOUR FATHER'S WORKS. I HAVE COLLECTED AND READ ALL THE BALLANTINE AND ACE ISSUES UP TO "THE MUCKER". I ASSUME THIS IS THE LAST THAT EITHER OF THEM PUBLISHED.  WHEN I FINISHED "THE MUCKER", I WAS VERY DISAPPOINTED BECAUSE THERE WERE NO MORE OF MR. BURROUGHS' STORES TO READ. A FEW DAYS AGO, I CHANCED UPON "THE TREASURE OF THE BLACK FALCON" AT A LOCAL DRUG STORE. AFTER READING IT, MY AFOREMENTIONED DISAPPOINTMENT WAS LESSENED SOMEWHAT BECAUSE, WHILE YOU HAVE YOUR OWN DEFINITE STYLE, THERE IS ENOUGH OF YOUR FATHER'S STYLE IN YOUR WORK TO SATISFY THE CRAVING FOR MORE EDGAR RICE BURROUGHS. I WILL BE EAGERLY AWAITING YOUR NEXT BOOK. MAY I POINT OUT THAT I ENJOYED "THE TREASURE OF THE BLACK FALCON" NOT SOLELY BECAUSE OF THE TOUCH OF EDGAR RICE BURROUGHS, BUT BECAUSE IT IS A VERY WELL WRITTEN STORY, AND THOROUGHLY ENJOYABLE FROM COVER TO COVER. IT, AND YOUR FUTURE STORIES, WILL REST ON MY BOOKSHELF BESIDE MY TREASURED EDGAR RICE BURROUGHS COLLECTION.
    INCIDENTALLY, I'M SURE YOUR FATHER'S FANS THE WORLD OVER WOULD BE OVERJOYED IF YOU WOULD CONSIDER DOING SOME NEW "TARZAN" AND "JOHN CARTER" STORIES. CONGRATULATIONS, AND KEEP UP THE EXCELLENT WORK.
            SINCERELY (sig)
            LARRY GILLIHAN
            BOX 113
            BONO, ARKANSAS


 
June 6, 1967
Alan Taylor
512 2nd Ave. N. E.
Stewartville, Minn.   55976

John Coleman Burroughs
% Edgar Rice Burroughs, Inc.
Box 277
Tarzana, Calif.  91356

Dear Mr. Burroughs:
    I have just finished reading your book Treasure of the Black Falcon and I must say you did a great job! From the very first page you held me as a willing captive. Only one other author has ever done this to me and that was your father, the late, great Edgar Rice Burroughs. I hope you continue the story in the future. 
    On April 26 of this year I was admitted late into the Burroughs Bibliophiles. It fills me with pride to be a member of this club and to take a more active part in encourageing the wider reading of your father's books. As I understand, you are also a member. This brings me to the real purpose of this letter. In the Gridly Wave #21 Hulbert Burroughs invited the fans to mail their copies of your book to you to have them autographed. I am taking advantage of this privilage and enclosing three copies of the book so you might autograph them for me, I would be very greatful. Also enclosed is some money for return postage. 
    When I first heard of the town of Tarzana I said to myself. "Gee! I'll have to go there some day." This was quite few years ago. May 26 I graduated from high school and I was free to make some definite plans. The first was to go to Tarzana. It seems that that "some day" is finally set! I was going to fly out (in a plane) but that would prevent me from sight-seeing on the way out. I finally convinced my father to take a trip out to California and said I would take care of most of the expenses. The trip will also be rather late anniversary gift to mom and dad.
    I was wondering if you could sort of fill me in on the things to see while I am in Tarzana so I don't just stumble around in the dark when we arrive. I would like so much to see your father's office and to meet you or another member of the family. I would also like to know if visitors are allowed to tour the offices and stockrooms of Edgar Rice Burroughs, Inc. Any help you could give me would be deeply apreciated.
    Our trip is set for August 12-23. I hope to see you then. Thank you for everything.
        Sincerely yours, 
        Alan Taylor (sig)
3 BOOKS AUTOGRAPHED 6/13/67 ~ LETTER REPLIED TO 7/17/67


 
Aug. 1, 1967
Mickey Parise
FAN LETTER ~ HANDWRITTEN with memo note: "Book sent, MB 8/21/67" "Letter Mailed"
410 McCartney
Campbell, Ohio  44405

Dear Mr. Burroughs
    I would feel very honored if you would autograph your fine book for me.
    I hope you continue writing and maybe finish your father's Tarzan book and also write more stories of John Carter!
    I would like to order E.R.,B., Inc. forthcoming book, how do I go about it.  Thank you for your time.
        Sincerely, Mickey Parise (sig)
BACK SIDE OF FAN LETTER: Many desk doodles, sketches and notes
Work? ~ 01-40181 ~ Accident ~ Story, peaceful, driveway, elec. car, Dan ~ 12.15, Flight 23 ~ P 1/19-Grocery, Mail, Stacy, Paintings ~ OPERATOR NO. 116: 387-3413 Jakie Eastlund ~ Buick, Wheel spokes, Hodes, Phone-noons, Concuss, Pool, Stacy, Gas can ~ Day, watering, trash, Stacy-pool, Jerry-Poles, Joe- Rumnpar? ~ Imp.Man? ~ Beaut Day, little grog, Jerry, Joe, Marguerite, Dian, Dan, Betty ~ Mother ~ Bank 456-6641, 006-106, 021-378, 191~ 228 Descanso, Sept 7th, 8, 9, 10 ~ Address 109 Caresss


 
August 1st, 1967
David Cantrell
545 South 5th Avenue
Tucson, Arizona.  85701

Mr. Hulbert Burroughs
EDGAR RICE BURROUGHS, Inc.
Post Office Box 277
Tarzana, California
Dear Mr. Burroughs,
    I have recently read your brother's Treasure of the Black Falcon, and I enjoyed it very much. He certainly did a fine job of writing. I am very glad that Ballantine did not choose to write "BY THE SON OF EDGAR RICE BURROUGHS". That they didn't is fine and it shows that John Coleman Burroughs can stand on his own two feet. By the way, is your brother writing a sequel to it or is he going to stop as is? What other material is Ballantine publishing of his?
    Are there any plans for the eventual publication of the manuscript Tarzan On Mars that Dick Lupoff referred to? (I'm probably sticking my nose in too far.)
    Has ERB, Inc. ever published any non-Burroughs' material?
    Thank you for your co-operation.
        Sincerely (sig)
        David Cantrell


 
October 28, 1967
Dwayne Wolff
411 Frederick Ave.
Bellwood, Ill., 60104

John Coleman Burroughs
c/o Edgar Rice Burroughs, Inc.
Tarzana, California
91356
Dear Mr. Burroughs;
    I have read your book, TREASURE OF THE BLACK FALCON, and I enjoyed it very much. At the time I was reading it, I got a broken arm while trying to preform a feat of physical ability.  On the way to the hospital, and while waiting to get my arm set, I read the book, even though I was (alas) in great pain. I hope you plan to write and publish more stories, if you have not already. By the way, the arm incident happened months ago.
    I am also a great fan of your father's works, especially his science-fiction novels. Incidently, I read a few years ago in a magazine that your brother Hulbert Burroughs, had prepared a script for a film version of PRINCESS OF MARS, and it was to be titled JOHN CARTER ON MARS, and that the movie was going to be shot in Italy. Could you fill me in on this?
    Do you plan to write a series of adventures, such as your father's Carson Napier, John Carter, and Tarzan series? Whatever, I hope you do write more science-fiction novels.
    I am, and always will be,
            Respectfully, (sig)
            Dwayne Wolff


 
January 23, 1968
Jeff Lee
3313 Wilcox Ave.
Bellwood, Ill.  60104

Mr. John Coleman Burroughs
c/o Ballantine Books, Inc.
101 5th Ave.
New York, N.Y.  1003

Dear Mr. Burroughs:
    I have been a fan of your father's for the past several years and this is where I came across your illustrations. I first saw them in the Canaveral edition of Back to the Stone Age.
    Were the original pictures in color?  And which media did you draw (or paint as the case may be).
    I am also interested in John Carter of Mars comic strip which I have read about, but which I was born too late to ever read. Did you use ERB's stories of Mars.
    Will you or your brother finish the fragmentary manuscripts left by ERB? I am curious because I have read your book Treasure of the Black Falcon. Shall you publish another?

Sincerely yours,
Jeff Lee


 
HANDWRITTEN RESPONSE BY JCB
ACCOMPANIED BY FINISHED TYPED LETTER BY ERB INC SECRETARY ~ JCB/sks ~DATED June 27, 1968
Dear Jeff
    Please excuse the delay in responding to your nice letter, but it became lost under a pile of bills on my desk top and was just rescued yesterday. You asked several questions to which I shall try to furnish answers.
    The original cover for Back to the Stone Age was painted in oil colors on canvas. The inside illustrations were done with charcoal, watercolor, oil & Tempera on illustration board.
    The J.C. of Mars Sunday page (comic strip) roughly follows the ERB  Princess of Mars.
    As to finishing fragmentary MSs left by ERB I really don't know now if my brother and/or I shall ever complete them.
    I am working on another fantasy adventure novel that may be finished within the next decade.
    Thanks for your interest.
JCB

 
March 26, 1968
David L. Smelley
608 North Kaufman
Ennis, Texas  75119

Dear Mr. Burroughs,
    I am very sorry I haven't thanked you for the beautiful Christmas card I received from you last December. It was very nice of you to send me one of your original cards. The painting of yours used in the card is very good. I am glad to see an artist in the Burroughs family who has taken an interest in illustrating some of Edgar Rice Burroughs' works. I think you are the very person to do it. I've bought several of your dad's books in Canaveral editions that you've illustrated and they're all very good.
    Now that E.R.B.. Inc. has a press and is putting out their own editions (I Am A Barbarian will they be putting out their own editions of his old and out of date novels and novelettes? I would appreciate if if you would notify me when E.R,B. Inc. will be making anymore releases. I have many of E.R.B.'s works in 1st editions and would like to have the first off the E.R.B. press. In the future these should be valuable. I am curious as to the value of the 1st editions of E.R.B. and yourself in paperback. I have the 1st editions of Tarzan and the Madman, and  Tarzan and the Castaways, and  The Treasure of the Black Falcon. I was wondering if these paperbacks will zoom in value as hardback first editions do. Surely they will, being 1st editions. I am rather proud of my Burroughs collection and would like to add anything you have written. I cannot find any of your books listed except the "Black Falcon." Surely you've written others that I can obtain somewhere. Please let me know about your editions and your dad's in new editions (E.R.B. Inc.).
    I am entering college this fall to study art. After two years of art in Dallas, I plan to come to California to finish my art education at the California College of Arts and Crafts. I want to write during this time and throughout my career in art. Thanks a lot for listening to me. I may want some more information later on some Burroughs editions, if it's alright with you. Thanks again.
            Yours truly
            David Smelley


 
May 31, 1968
James R. Roseaad?
831 E Tally Ho
Las Vegas, Nev   89109

Dear Mr. Burroughs
    I have put off writing this letter until I had finished reading your book. The only thing I can say is that I hope that their are more novels to come like it.
    I owe your father a debt that can never be repaid, also you and your publishing company for republishing your fathers books. When I was younger about in the fourth or fifth grad I could see no reason in reading books, only comic books and the National Geographic could interest me. I was looking for   to do on a very dull summer day when I ran across a copie of "Tarzan of the Apes."  After finding out it was the same Tarzan from the comic books I started to read it; after I had finished I looked for more, the library had some and so did some of my friends. Since that day I have collected and read some 2500+ others mostly paperback from Bond to Plato. That one book opened a whole new world for me that might not have otherwise been opened for many years if ever.
    I meet your wife through my girlfriends parents on a recent trip to los Angeles during which she gave me a copy of your book "Treasure of the Black Falcon" and told me of the start of a new book delving into the insect world. Your wife told me that the next time I come to L.A. if you are feeling well enough that I might come out to see you; if that is possible I would like to ask you a question. People have always told me that I have a very active imagination but try as I might I can't even come close to what you and your father have somehow managed to populate the floor of the ocean, distant planets, and the jungles of Africa with not only with people and creatures but with entire civilizations that are so realistic that it would not seen add for and of our subs to find a bubble under the see and be welcomed by Phillip Montigue, or our first spacemen to Mars to meet John Carter on their landing. What ever this gift is; and it must be a gift; it has, is, and will bring enjoyment to many millions of people all over the world for a long time to come.
    I must close for now and do some more reading, if there is ever anything I can do for you; either in the Airline industry (I work for Western in Las Vegas) or anything else please don't hesitate to let me know.
        Sincerely
            James R. Roseaad?

Original Michael Aviano 1967 art for JCB's Treasure of the Black Falcon
Box of complimentary Ballantine paperbacks: JCB's Treasure of the Black Falcon
Original Art and Box of 50 Promotional Copies from Ballantine Publishing
Retrieved from the JCB Storage Vaults in 2003
See Tarzana Trek: 2003 in ERBzine 1051


PART I 
Introduction ~ Brief Synopsis ~ Review
Authors Preface ~ Characters
PART II 
A Summary With Selective Commentary 
by Mary McGeehan Wild 
PART III
Gridley Wave Review by Al Howard
Fan Letters


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