"At the Earth's Core" is a science fiction novel written by Edgar Rice Burroughs, best known as the creator of the Tarzan series. First published in 1914, it is the first book in the Pellucidar series and is set in a fictional inner world located at the Earth's core.
The story follows the adventures of David Innes, a wealthy young man who, along with his friend Abner Perry, invents a massive drilling machine called the "iron mole." Seeking to prove its efficacy, they embark on a test run but accidentally find themselves drilling far deeper than they anticipated. Eventually, they emerge in a strange and prehistoric world within the Earth's crust, known as Pellucidar.
Upon their arrival, David and Abner encounter a world filled with bizarre creatures, exotic landscapes, and primitive human tribes. Pellucidar is illuminated by a central sun and features a unique ecosystem where dinosaurs and other ancient creatures roam freely. The inhabitants of this world, including the savage Mahars, pose both threats and opportunities for the two adventurers.
As David and Abner navigate the dangers of Pellucidar, they become embroiled in a quest to free the human tribes from the oppressive rule of the Mahars, who use them as slaves. Along the way, they encounter allies such as the fierce warrior Dian the Beautiful and the resourceful cave man Ghak.
Throughout the novel, Burroughs weaves a thrilling tale of adventure, exploration, and survival in a strange and fantastical world. His vivid descriptions bring Pellucidar to life, immersing readers in a land of wonder and danger.
"At the Earth's Core" is praised for its imaginative world-building, fast-paced action, and engaging characters. It captures the spirit of early 20th-century pulp fiction and remains a classic of science fiction literature. The novel's success led to several sequels in the Pellucidar series, further exploring the mysteries of this hidden world beneath the Earth's surface.
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