Edgar Rice Burroughs, best known as the creator of Tarzan, was gifted with a limitless imagination. He created entire worlds for his own pleasure.
A PRINCESS OF MARS, published in 1912, was Burroughs' first book. In it John Carter, facing death at the hands of the Apaches, wills his transmigration to Mars. There he finds the dying civilization of Barsoom.
In his journey across Mars, Carter gains respect and friendship, as well as the devotion of Dejah Thoris, princess of helium. All is well until Barsoom faces suffocation when the atmosphere plant breaks down. It is up to Carter to save the planet.