Robert "Bob" Barrett, Collector and Historian of Edgar Rice Burroughs
Robert "Bob" Barrett was a distinguished collector and historian whose lifelong passion for the works of Edgar Rice Burroughs began in the mid-1940s. At nine years old, his father introduced him to Tarzan and the Ant Men-a 1945 Whitman "Big Little Book" edition illustrated by John Coleman Burroughs. Though a simplified version intended for children, the story sparked a lasting curiosity that would grow into a lifelong pursuit.
Two years later, that curiosity was cemented when Bob discovered Tarzan and the Lost Empire, a Grosset & Dunlap reprint that belonged to his father. Reading it at school led to an episode that marked the true beginning of his fasci-nation: his teacher confiscated the book, declaring that "no student of hers" would be seen reading Tarzan. When she returned it-wrapped in a brown paper bag and with instructions not to open it until he got home-Barrett realized that Tarzan, and Burroughs' imagination, held a power worth exploring.
Encouraged by his father, Barrett continued reading the Tarzan novels, particularly drawn to the vivid cover illustrations by Charles Edmund "Ed" Monroe Jr. The visual artistry of these editions ignited his appreciation for illustration and cover design. Over time, he became close friends with Monroe and ultimately acquired all but two of the original paintings Monroe created for the Tarzan series.
Barrett began collecting in earnest during high school, building a personal library of books, pulps, and comics. Following college and military service, his focus deepened, and he began assembling one of the most significant private collections of original artwork inspired by Burroughs' worlds.
Over the decades, Barrett's collection grew to include original works by many of the great illustrators of Burroughs' fiction, among them Mo Gollub, Fortunino Matania, Hannes Bok, Burne Hogarth, Bob Lubbers, and Frank Frazetta.
His friendship with Frazetta was particularly meaningful-one marked by mutual respect and creative exchange. On one memorable evening spent with their wives, Frank drew an affectionate caricature of Bob himself, which Barrett treasured for the rest of his life.
Through his research, preservation, and passion, Robert "Bob" Barrett became one of the foremost private archivists of Edgar Rice Burroughs' literary and artistic legacy, His collection stands as both a scholarly resource and a testament to a lifetime devoted to celebrating Burroughs' imaginative worlds and the artists who brought them vividly to life.
Note to bidders: more art from this collection, as well as Mr. Barrett's comprehensive collection of Burroughs-related comic books and pulp magazines, will be offered in Heritage auctions throughout 2026. All lots will be identified as being from the collection of Robert "Bob" Barrett.