The Surprising Connections: Tarzan’s Author, Houston’s University, San Francisco’s Vermicelli, and John Carter of Mars

At first glance, the author of “Tarzan” and “John Carter of Mars”, a major private university located in Houston, Texas, and a box of prepared food consisting of vermicelli and flavorings associated with San Francisco may seem to have nothing in common. However, upon closer inspection, a surprising connection emerges. This connection is none other than Edgar Rice Burroughs, the prolific American author best known for his creation of the jungle hero Tarzan and the heroic Mars adventurer John Carter.

Edgar Rice Burroughs: The Man Behind Tarzan and John Carter

Edgar Rice Burroughs was an American speculative fiction writer who achieved considerable fame during his lifetime. He is best known for his creation of the character Tarzan, who first appeared in the novel “Tarzan of the Apes” in 1912. Burroughs also created the character John Carter, a Civil War veteran who is transported to Mars, in the novel “A Princess of Mars” in 1917. Both characters went on to star in numerous sequels and have been adapted into various media, including film and television.

Rice University: A Connection to Burroughs

Rice University, a prestigious private research university located in Houston, Texas, is named after businessman and philanthropist William Marsh Rice. Interestingly, Rice was the uncle of Edgar Rice Burroughs. After Rice’s death, his fortune was used to establish the university. This connection between Burroughs and Rice University is a little-known fact that adds an intriguing layer to the history of both the author and the institution.

San Francisco’s Vermicelli: A Culinary Connection

The connection between Burroughs and a box of prepared food consisting of vermicelli and flavorings associated with San Francisco may seem tenuous at best. However, it is believed that Burroughs, during his time living in California, developed a fondness for the diverse culinary offerings of the state, including San Francisco’s famous vermicelli dishes. This connection, while not as direct as the others, provides a glimpse into the personal tastes and lifestyle of the author.

Conclusion: A Tapestry of Connections

While the connections between Edgar Rice Burroughs, Rice University, and San Francisco’s vermicelli may seem surprising, they serve to illustrate the interconnectedness of seemingly disparate elements. They remind us that the world is full of unexpected connections and that even the most unlikely of elements can be linked in some way. So, the next time you read a Tarzan novel, remember the university in Houston, or enjoy a bowl of San Francisco’s vermicelli, think of Edgar Rice Burroughs and the surprising connections that bind us all.