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Hugo winner for short fiction (1963), and a perfect single-sitting introduction to Vance's mirrored-civilisations mode.
Book Entry · Science Fiction
At the Earth's Core
by Edgar Rice Burroughs · 1914 · Pellucidar, book 1
What is At the Earth's Core about?
Mining heir David Innes and inventor Abner Perry test a mechanical 'iron mole' that burrows out of control and delivers them to Pellucidar, the world on the inner surface of the hollow Earth, lit by a tiny central sun under which time itself misbehaves. Humanity there is prey: the ruling Mahars are telepathic flying reptiles who farm people for food. Innes sets about organising the human tribes into an empire of revolt, pausing frequently for Burroughs's trademark abductions, pursuits and reunions.
Why it matters
The keystone hollow-earth adventure, launching a seven-book series (Tarzan eventually visits). Filmed in 1976 with Peter Cushing and Doug McClure, to the delight of undemanding Saturday afternoons everywhere.
Where does it sit in the series?
Burroughs's hollow-earth saga: the savage inner world beneath our feet, lit by an unsetting central sun, where David Innes builds an empire against the reptilian Mahars.
In the Guide from Pellucidar:
- At the Earth's Core (1914)
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