Printed and typed contract between Edgar Rice Burroughs and A.C. McClurg & Co. for the book publication of Tarzan of the Apes, signed by Burroughs, Ogden S. McClurg (President of A.C. McClurg & Co.), and two witnesses. On the rectos of two sheets of legal-size paper, 13x8½.
Original signed agreement for the book publication of one of the most famous and influential literary creations of the 20th century, the first edition of Tarzan of the Apes. Though A Princess of Mars had been published in magazine form in the spring of 1912 (under the pseudonym of "Norman Bean), it was Tarzan, written during the first six months of 1912, and published complete in the October, 1912, issue of The All-Story, who was Burroughs' most famous and enduring character, and the foundation of his enormous success. A year and a half later he signed this contract with McClurg for his first book publication, with many more to come. Upon this foundation was built his vast empire based upon books, films, radio programs, newspaper comic strips, and many advertising campaigns featuring Tarzan. Burroughs even lived in his own city,Tarzana, developed from the 540 acre ranch in the San Fernando Valley he purchased in 1919. ERB, as he became known to his many fans and readers, had come far since his struggles to support his family with myriad jobs and enterprises prior to his excursion into pulp literature. The contract itself is a standard agreement, McClurg to publish the manuscript in book form "at its own expense and in such style and manner and in such quantity as it deems most expedient," with plans to sell it at $1.25 per copy. Burroughs was to receive a royalty of 10% upon the first 5000 copies, 12½% upon the second 5000, and 15% thereafter (there were about 10,000 copies printed for McClurg in 1914). Burroughs was also to receive gratis 12 copies of the book, and he could purchase additional copies at a discount of 40% off the retail price. He was to be paid an advance of $250. This is the McClurg file copy of the contract, with "Original" written in pencil at the top of the first page, and docketed in ink on the back of the second page, "Tarzan of the Apes, Agreement with Edgar Rice Burroughs, April 30, 1914."
Condition:
Old tape repairs to splits at the folds, with discoloration and bleeding from them, wear and tape stains to the lower edge of the first leaf, a few small edge chips, else very good, a landmark piece in the pantheon of Tarzan, Lord of the Jungle.