Which John Carter Book Should I Read First In The Series?

Hoping to start Edgar Rice Burroughs' Barsoom books, but the chronological order and publication order differ. Wondering about the best reading sequence for newcomers.

2026-07-25 09:31:16

Suivre2

Jack

Plot Finder

Student

4 Réponses

NovelLane

Responder

Cashier

I found an old, musty copy in my attic. The smell of aged paper added to the atmosphere.

Cracking open 'A Princess of Mars' felt like uncovering a secret history of sci-fi.

The physical experience of reading that specific edition made following the proper order feel like a ritual.

I sought out the sequels in similar old editions to keep the feeling going.

It became less about just the story and more about the artifact of the story.

If you have the chance, finding a vintage paperback can make starting the series a special event.

2026-07-27 09:31:01

NashJay

Responder

Student

Librarian here. We get this question occasionally. The cataloging and series data always list 'A Princess of Mars' as volume one.

Any decent library catalog or bookstore database will show the sequence clearly.

It's the definitive first entry. The sequels were written because readers demanded more of Carter's adventures after that first novel.

That public domain status means there are a million editions, from cheap paperbacks to fancy hardcovers.

Just look for that title, and you'll have your starting point. Don't overthink it based on alternate cover titles or collections.

2026-07-27 16:27:33

EllieAsh

Expert

Electrician

The covers from the 60s and 70s with the vibrant, painted scenes are incredible.

Finding those editions in used bookstores is a hunt in itself.

If you're a collector, securing a nice copy of 'A Princess of Mars' becomes a fun first step.

Then you can hunt for the sequels in matching editions.

The artwork often captures the pulpy spirit better than any description.

Starting the series becomes a blend of literary and visual artifact collection.

2026-07-27 22:52:10

AliceDay

Book Clue Finder

Data Analyst

Don't sleep on the sequels, though. 'The Gods of Mars' is often cited as the best in the series.

But its impact is entirely dependent on the foundation laid by 'A Princess of Mars.'

The stakes are higher, the villains are nastier, and the world expands in shocking ways.

It's a payoff, not a starting point. Knowing what Carter has already lost and gained is crucial.

So read 'Princess' not just as an obligation, but as the essential setup for an even better book waiting for you right after.

2026-07-29 19:17:29

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Autres questions liées

What is the correct John Carter book series order to read

4 Réponses2026-07-25 03:56:08

For a visual guide, search 'John Carter reading order infographic'. Some talented fan has probably made one with all the book covers in a nice line. It's satisfying to look at and check off as you go. Very helpful if you're a visual learner who gets mixed up with titles.

What is the correct reading order of the John Carter books?

5 Réponses2026-07-25 12:49:54

The audiobook narrator for the first three, Gene Engene, is fantastic. He captures that old-school, melodramatic pulp tone perfectly. If you go the audio route, listen to those three in order, then you can switch to other narrators for the later books without missing a beat. The performance adds so much to the experience.

Which John Carter of Mars book comes first in the storyline?

3 Réponses2026-07-25 13:29:04

Think of it like a TV series. 'A Princess of Mars' is the pilot episode. It introduces the main character, the love interest, the key allies, and the core conflict. Subsequent books are like new seasons, expanding the world and raising the stakes. But you wouldn't start a show on season two. The pilot is essential for character motivations and establishing the rules. The same logic applies here. Pilot episode first.

Which John Carter book should I start with to follow John’s arc

5 Réponses2026-07-25 01:55:06

Think about his relationship with Dejah Thoris. It’s the emotional core of his entire existence on Barsoom. That relationship begins, develops, and faces its ultimate test across the first three books. If you skip 'A Princess of Mars', you miss the iconic, sweeping romance that defines his motivation for everything else he does. You can’t follow his arc without following their love story from its first spark.

Which John Carter book in order first introduces Princess Dejah Thoris

6 Réponses2026-07-25 14:39:23

Honestly, the way Burroughs writes her entrance is so dramatic. This ethereal, copper-skinned woman just appears among all these brutal, four-armed giants. It's iconic. That scene alone sold a million paperback copies. You can't talk about John Carter without talking about meeting Dejah Thoris in that first book. It's the core of the whole saga.

What is the correct order to read the John Carter of Mars books?

4 Réponses2026-07-25 12:44:16

It’s fascinating how these books inspired so much modern sci-fi and fantasy, from 'Star Wars' to 'Avatar'. Reading them in publication order is like watching the genre DNA unfold. You see tropes being invented in real time. That historical layer adds so much to the experience. A chronological read would obscure that evolution. You’d get a tidy story but miss the cultural context. For a student of genre history, publication order isn’t just correct; it’s essential.

Is there a recommended John Carter series order for new readers?

7 Réponses2026-07-25 17:19:25

Oh wow, this takes me back. I read them all out of order from my grandpa's basement collection. The musty smell of those old paperbacks is part of the memory. I think I started with 'Swords of Mars' because it had the coolest cover. Took me ages to piece the story together. It was a fun puzzle, but not the ideal way. Do yourself a favor and start with 'A Princess of Mars'. Your understanding will be linear, not a jigsaw.

How do the John Carter of Mars books connect in series order?

3 Réponses2026-07-25 16:09:34

I remember being a kid and finding these in my library out of order. I read 'The Master Mind of Mars' first and was utterly confused but enthralled. Went back and started from the beginning, and it was like getting the missing pieces of a dream. That confusion was actually fun, but I got more out of it the second time, in order. The series is designed to be discovered layer by layer. The first book sets up the romance and wonder. The next ones deepen the mythology. The later ones expand the cast. Doing it right feels like being inducted into a secret club.

How many books are in the John Carter of Mars series?

4 Réponses2025-12-24 12:30:22

Ever since I stumbled upon the John Carter of Mars series, I've been completely hooked. Edgar Rice Burroughs crafted this incredible world that blends science fiction and adventure in such a unique way. The series consists of 11 books in total, starting with 'A Princess of Mars' in 1912 and ending with 'John Carter of Mars' in 1964. It's wild to think how the story evolved over decades, with Burroughs returning to the characters even after long gaps. What fascinates me most is how each book builds on the last, yet they can stand alone too. I accidentally read 'The Gods of Mars' before the first book, and it still blew me away. The later entries, like 'Llana of Gathol,' feel slightly different in tone but keep that pulpy charm. It's a series I revisit every few years—always discovering something new.

What is the full list of John Carter books in order to read

5 Réponses2026-07-25 02:05:54

Honestly, the best order is just internal chronological order, which is almost the same as publication order except for one. Start with 'A Princess of Mars'. Then go 'The Gods of Mars', 'The Warlord of Mars', 'Thuvia, Maid of Mars', 'The Chessmen of Mars', 'The Master Mind of Mars', 'A Fighting Man of Mars', 'Swords of Mars', 'Synthetic Men of Mars', 'Llana of Gathol', and finally 'John Carter of Mars'. That last one is a collection, but it contains the final chronological story, 'John Carter and the Giant of Mars'. It flows nicely as one long saga of his life.