Beyond Thirty
"Beyond Thirty" by Edgar Rice Burroughs is set in a future where the Western Hemisphere has isolated itself from the Eastern Hemisphere for over two centuries following a catastrophic war. The protagonist, Lieutenant Jefferson Turck, serves in the Pan-American navy and is fascinated by the forbidden lands beyond the 30° W and 175° W lines, which symbolize a barrier to the past's chaos and adventure. Turck's ship, the Coldwater, experiences a series of mechanical failures during a storm, leading to the imminent crossing of the forbidden line. Despite the dire consequences, including court-martial and disgrace, Turck resolves to defy the regulations that have kept the Eastern Hemisphere shrouded in mystery. With the support of his loyal first officer, Alvarez, he navigates the challenges of the storm and the treachery of a jealous subordinate, Johnson. As they drift further into the unknown, Turck grapples with the implications of crossing the line, both for himself and his crew. The narrative explores themes of duty, rebellion against oppressive regulations, and the allure of adventure in a world that has chosen safety over exploration. Ultimately, Turck's journey beyond thirty represents a quest for knowledge and a challenge to the status quo, setting the stage for potential encounters with the savage and uncivilized remnants of the Eastern Hemisphere.
By Edgar Rice Burroughs · First published 1915 · Genre: Science Fiction, Adventure, Fantasy · 9 chapters · 43,427 words
First lines
Since earliest childhood I have been strangely fascinated by the mystery surrounding the history of the last days of twentieth century Europe. My interest is keenest, perhaps, not so much in relation to known facts as to speculation upon the unknowable of the two centuries that have rolled by since human intercourse between the Western and Eastern Hemispheres ceased -- the mystery of Europe's state following the termination of the Great War -- provided, of course, that the war had been terminated.
What this Textopian page supports
Beyond Thirty is listed on Textopian as a novel by Edgar Rice Burroughs, dated 1915 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: Edgar Rice Burroughs
- Date: 1915 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Science Fiction, Adventure, Fantasy, Dystopian, Romance
- Length: 43,427 words
- Structure: 9 chapters, 809 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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Genres
- Science Fiction — The story explores futuristic themes and advanced technology, characteristic of the science fiction genre.
- Adventure — The plot involves exploration and adventure in a new world, aligning with the adventure genre.
- Fantasy — Elements of fantasy are present through the imaginative settings and scenarios.
- Dystopian — The narrative reflects a dystopian society and its implications on human life.
Tags
Science Fiction · Adventure · Fantasy · Romance · Space Opera · Pulp Fiction · Classic Literature · Early 20th Century · Male Protagonist · Time Travel · Alternate Reality · Imperialism