Carson of Venus (Venus #3) (1939)

by Edgar Rice Burroughs

Carson Napier and his beloved Duare, princess of Vepaja, are still searching for a place where they can live in peace.

 

They think they find such a place in the city of Sanara, which is under siege by the Zani.

 

Complications arise as the traitorous ruler of Sanara sends Carson on a secret mission to the rival city of Amlot, supposedly on a vital mission but in reality to get him out of the way so that he can claim the lovely Duare.

 

Edgar Rice Burroughs

Edgar Rice Burroughs satirizes the Nazis (rearrange the letters in 'Zani') in this story, which was published in the late 30s.

 

The constant cries of "Malthu Mephis!" in praise of the cretinous leader of Amlot, the ridiculous salute which consists of standing on one's head until the great man passes, the fear of every citizen that they may be reported to the authorities by friends, family, or others all point to ERB's contempt of the German government of that time in perhaps his most political series.

 

Of course, there is plenty of adventure and it benefits from being one of the least episodic of the series. 

Unfortunately, it becomes a bit unfocused at the end.

 

"War on Venus" (German)

Naturally, the story ends with Carson and Duare separated once again, but there is only one book left in this series, so I'm sure they'll work things out soon.

"Abduction to Venus" (Greek)

"Carson of Venus" (Spanish)