Tarzan 2-In-1 (the Beasts of Tarzan/The Son of Tarzan)

I first read these books a few years ago, when I was twelve. I loved all of the Tarzan series (although Jane and Jack seem to disappear later in the series) but these two novels were my favorites. Although I already owned both books, I bought this version simply because having two of my favorite novels in one volume seemed too good to be true. I re-read these books twice a year. The action keeps coming and never lets up (this from a girl who was quickly bored with The Lord of the Rings).There is also a sort of poetic irony that Burroughs employs. Tarzan comes from the jungle into civilization, while his son goes from civilization to the jungle. While Tarzan grew up without any sort of guidance or moral direction, he is one of the most chivalrous, honorable, and genuinely good people that I've ever encountered in any book (save the bible.) The implication is that the jungle beasts are sometimes more noble and less cruel (albeit no more gentle) than humans who should know better. Indeed, when Jack and Meriem encounter other apes, baboons, or even people, they insist that they are Great Apes and not human (and are proud of the distinction). This is furthered by the fact that the most unlikely of people (as in the ugly, filthy cook on the ship which holds Jane hostage) sometimes are the most brave and good.Overall, these two stories are great adventures that hold something deeper for anyone who cares to look.

I have read most of these books and have found them very enjoyable.I am tring to get the whole series again to reread andfor my son's to read as well

Both of these books follow on the story begun by the 1st 2 in the series. In Beasts, the villainous Rokoff and Petrovich return to destroy Tarzan's family. His son is taken to Africa to be raised by cannibals, Jane is to receive a "fate worse than death and Tarzan is marooned on a jungle island. How Tarzan escapes and foils the schem is a well-told adventure. In Son, young Jack ends up in Africa and runs afoul of apes and slavers. Following in the footsteps of his father, he reverts to a savage stage while battling for the lives of himself and his love.

I read both of these books as a boy, and always remembered how exciting The Son of Tarzan was. I was surprised, rereading The Beasts of Tarzan, at how well it continues the story started by the first two books (Tarzan of the Apes and The Return of Tarzan). If you want adventure, these first four books are, for me, the core of Tarzan. I can't say how they hold up for kids today, but its hard to imagine not liking them. And, saving the best for last, The Son of Tarzan is STILL one of my favorites! It is less well known than the Tarzan legend, and perhaps more exciting as a result.

In book 3 (The Beasts of Tarzan), the villian, Rokov, kidnaps Tarzan's family and strands him on an island. Of course our hero wins out but the plot is clever, the action terriffic, and the ending satifying. Overall a super ride to follow the first two (excellent) books. In book 4 (The Son of Tarzan), little Jack goes to Africa to return his newfound friend (an ape) to the wild. Jack has a series of great adventures and meets and falls in love with his future wife.These two books cap the first four in the Tarzan series and all four taken together should make anyone's 'must read' list. 5 stars to all 4.