Plunge into a lost world of prehistoric terror and primitive beauty with Edgar Rice Burroughs’ ‘At the Earth’s Core’, and read the complete book online for free.
Published in 1914, At the Earth’s Core is the explosive first installment in Edgar Rice Burroughs’ Pellucidar series. Before he created Tarzan, Burroughs was already perfecting his formula of transporting ordinary men into extraordinary worlds. Here, the inventor David Innes and his elderly benefactor Abner Perry test their new mechanical “Iron Mole” drilling machine and accidentally burrow through the earth’s crust, emerging in the hollow interior of the planet. They discover Pellucidar: a savage, primordial land lit by a perpetual central sun, where dinosaurs still roam, prehistoric cavemen struggle for survival, and a terrifying race of winged, telepathic humanoids known as the Mahars rule with cold, reptilian intelligence.
Innes, our narrator, is immediately separated from Perry and enslaved by the Mahars. He must adapt to this brutal world, win the trust of the primitive Sagoth warriors, and rescue the beautiful Ghak, a princess of a friendly tribe. It is a breathless adventure of escape, battle, and romance, written with Burroughs’ signature pulp velocity.
On this page, you can descend into the hollow earth. We offer the complete 1914 novel for online reading.
Book Info
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Title | At the Earth’s Core |
| Author | Edgar Rice Burroughs |
| Year of Publication | 1914 |
| Genre | Science Fiction, Fantasy, Adventure, Lost World |
| Language | English |
| Legal Status | Public Domain in the U.S. (Published pre-1928) |
| Format | Online Reading |
Read At the Earth’s Core Online
Bore through the crust and enter Pellucidar. Begin this frantic, dinosaur-filled adventure interactively below.
This preview introduces the Iron Mole and the initial descent, but the full saga of the Mahars, the Sagoths, and the fight for freedom is available in the complete text for our subscribers.
A subscription unlocks this foundational pulp adventure. The center of the earth is waiting.
About the Novel At the Earth’s Core
Burroughs was not a literary stylist; he was a storyteller of pure, unapologetic momentum. This novel is the essence of pulp adventure.
The Hollow Earth Hypothesis
Burroughs did not invent the idea of a hollow earth, but he popularized it for a generation. His Pellucidar is not a dark, cold cavern; it is a vast, vibrant inner world with its own geography, ecology, and civilizations. The concept provided infinite room for sequels.
The Mahars: Genius Villains
The Mahars are pterodactyl-like creatures with massive brains, telepathic powers, and absolute indifference to human life. They are not evil in the human sense; they simply view men as livestock. This alien intelligence makes them far more chilling than a simple monster. They are one of Burroughs’ best creations.
David Innes: The Competent Man
Innes is the archetypal Burroughs hero. He is not superhuman, but he is resourceful, brave, and adaptable. Thrown into a world of stone weapons and dinosaur attacks, he quickly learns the rules and begins to win. He is everyman, elevated by circumstance and courage.
Romance in the Stone Age
As with John Carter and Tarzan, Innes’ adventures are driven by his love for a woman: Dian the Beautiful. The romance is immediate and absolute. While modern readers may find the “love at first sight” trope dated, it serves as a powerful emotional engine for the violence that follows.
Pacing and Set Pieces
Burroughs structures the novel as a series of escalating threats and escapes: the initial landing, the capture by Sagoths, the audience with the Mahars, the prison break, the battle with a giant reptile, and the final confrontation. There is barely a moment to breathe. This relentless pace is the secret to his enduring popularity.
Why Read At the Earth’s Core Today?
For pure, escapist fun, few novels compete. It is the literary ancestor of every Jurassic Park, every Journey to the Center of the Earth adaptation, and every video game about lost worlds. It is fast, imaginative, and never boring. It is the literary equivalent of a roller coaster.
FAQ
Is this part of a series?
Yes. This is the first book of the Pellucidar series. It is followed by Pellucidar (1915), Tanar of Pellucidar (1929), and several others.
How does it compare to Tarzan?
The structure is very similar: a civilized man thrust into a savage world must prove his dominance. However, Pellucidar is a fantasy world, while Tarzan’s Africa is (loosely) real.
Are the Mahars really dinosaurs?
They are a fictional, intelligent species resembling pteranodons. They are the dominant species of Pellucidar.
Can I read it on my phone?
Yes. Its short, punchy chapters are perfect for mobile reading during commutes or downtime.