Transit to Scorpio (Dray Prescot #1; Delian Cycle #1) (1972)

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by Alan Burt Akers (AKA Kenneth Bulmer)



Dray Prescot, an English sailor and valiant warrior of the 19th Century, is transported to the distant planet Kregen by powerful beings as a champion for humanity, who live there among many intelligent species. 



Thus begins Kenneth Bulmer’s 52-volume tribute to ERB’s Barsoom series. 


Kenneth Bulmer


Even Bulmer’s choice of pseudonym, Alan Burt Akers, has the same cadence as Edgar Rice Burroughs. 



After his mysterious transit, he is immersed in a liquid that grants a 1000-year lifespan by a secret society called the Savanti, who live in the isolated Swinging City of Aphrasoe. 



Here some of Bulmer’s humor shines through; for a reader of the 70s, a “swinging city” would be sure to have a racy connotation, but the Savanti literally swing from building to building in their arboreal metropolis. 


"Destination Scorpio" (Italian)


Here, Dray also meets his version of Dejah Thoris, Delia of Vallia, whom he rescues in defiance of the Savanti. 


"Transit to Scorpio" (German)


Used as a pawn by the mysterious Star Lords, who have the power to instantly transport him wherever they wish, he is jerked to and fro to serve their ends, sometimes banished back to Earth when they have no use for him. Despite this herky-jerky existence, he manages to make allies, become a leader, win the hand of his princess, and ascend to the throne of a kingdom in the time-honored tradition of sword-and-planet heroes. It bogs a bit at times but mostly clips along very nicely and features some good world-building. I’m looking forward to what comes next.

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