The Chessmen of Mars
The Chessmen of Mars is a science fantasy novel written by Edgar Rice Burroughs in 1922.
"Shea had just beaten me at chess, as usual, and, also as usual, I had gleaned what questionable satisfaction I might by twitting him with this indication of failing mentality by calling his attention for the nth time to that theory, propounded by certain scientists, which is based upon the assertion that phenomenal chess players are always found to be from the ranks of children under twelve, adults over seventy-two or the mentally defective—a theory that is lightly ignored upon those rare occasions that I win".
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Public domain (US)·No sign-up·DRM-free·Real text, not scans
Copyright note. The Chessmen of Mars by Edgar Rice Burroughs is believed to be in the public domain in the United States only. It may still be copyrighted in other countries. If you are not in the United States, please check your local laws to ensure this eBook is in the public domain in your country before downloading The Chessmen of Mars in PDF or EPUB.
- Pages
- 250
- Reading time
- 7 hours 24 minutes
- Pace
- Intermediate
- First published
- 1922
- Language
- English
104 years later, still timely
Why Read The Chessmen of Mars in 2026?
Airships, mazes, and living chess—Burroughs speeds adventure across a crimson world. Strategy matters as much as swordplay; wit and nerve keep royalty and rogues alive.
Today's connection
Game logic meets pulp momentum. Beneath the spectacle sits a lesson in negotiation, pattern-reading, and choosing allies—useful far beyond Barsoom.
Pulp that flies
Set pieces with purpose.
Smart moves
Plot as board strategy.
Alliances & stakes
Deals, not just duels.
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About the author
Edgar Rice Burroughs
Velocity and exotic horizons that set adventure pacing for a century of popular storytelling.
