A collection of episodic short stories traces the childhood and adolescence of a man reared by apes in the African jungle. Episodes focus on his first stirrings of affection and jealousy, skirmishes with rival apes and predators, confrontations with tribal witch-doctors and customs, and tests of resourcefulness and courage. The narratives combine action, suspense, and occasional humor while following the protagonist's developing instincts, skills, and uneasy relation to the human world.