Barsoom is the fictional name for Mars in the series of science fiction novels written by Edgar Rice Burroughs. The stories, beginning with "A Princess of Mars," depict a vibrant world inhabited by various alien species, including the green-skinned Thark and the red-skinned Barsoomians. The planet features diverse landscapes, such as vast deserts, ancient cities, and towering mountains. The narratives often follow the adventures of John Carter, a human who finds himself on Barsoom and becomes embroiled in its complex politics and conflicts, showcasing themes of heroism and exploration.