I don't necessarily think that the age of exposure is critical. I think the books touch desires and characteristics within us, as well as values we have been exposed to in absolute terms which we can identify with in a black and white fictional world.

I find the values of Tarzan and Barsoom very similar in may respects. Honor, prowess, individualism, love, etc.

I do see differences. The imaginative scope and grandeur of Barsoom, which still appeals to me. The untarnished ideals which are reflected in the Barsoomian heroes, as contrasted with the sometimes sullen, morose, savage aspects of Tarzan.

I find these differences to be minimal when compared to the similarities. For me, even when young, I found the realism of Tarzan to be more compelling and unique, and this perception has only gotten stronger as I've gotten older.

The realities and inequities of life tended to cause me to reconsider the idea of milllions of warriors seeking violent death so that the virginity of some princess will not be defiled. This is kid stuff to me, and I had increasing problems with it as I got older; and certainly when I encountered the violence of war itself.

Tarzan, however, still stands the test of my own time.

I regard these differences and inconsistencies as relatively minor when compared with the virtues of the books, however, and still get swept away, as does Tara, when I visit Barsoom.

We are all different and unique, with subjective points of view which will obviously influence how we perceive these books. It is noteworthy that, whether Tangor and Tarzanless; or Tarak and Tarzaned, we were all moved, and still are moved, by these books.

Tarak