In this pulp science fiction novel, we follow John Carter, a Confederate veteran who goes prospecting to Arizona after the war ends. After he finds a big gold vein and is pursued by Apaches, he escapes by hiding in a sacred cave that transports him to a desolate, barren place that turns out to be Mars! Thanks to the lower gravity and atmospheric pressure, Carter now possesses almost superhuman abilities. These in turn earn him the favor of the Martian inhabitants. Soon, they involve him in the political affairs of the planet. How will the war veteran Carter fare? Will he ever go back to the Earth or will he have to carve a life for himself on Mars? You will only find out at the end of the book!