"A Princess of Mars" is corny,entertaining vintage Sci-fi. It was an inspiration behind both "Avatar" and "Star Wars," as is soon obvious. The story follows the adventures of Virginian and Confederate soldier John Carter, an immortal man who is inexplicably transported to Mars, or Barsoom to the natives. Barsoom is subject to severe civil distress, as Carter soon discovers. How he gains renown as a warrior, falls in love with the titular princess, and brings some unity to Barsoom makes up the rest of the story. A quick, action-packed read, "A Princess of Mars" was pretty fun-though I agree with reviewers who found Carter's 1st person self praise irritating. However, this was more of a writer problem than a character problem. John Carter himself is both sympathetic and likable. Bottom line: diverting.