by Mark Askeda

Created on: May 22, 2009   Last Updated: November 23, 2011

Jack London (1876 - 1916) was a prolific American writer who wrote many popular books and short stories. Many of his best works are still widely read today.  London drew heavily upon his personal experiences to obtain material for his writing. As a teenager in 1893, he signed aboard a schooner and traveled the Pacific Ocean. For a period of time, he also owned his own sloop, until an accident damaged the vessel beyond repair. In 1897, London went to Alaska in an attempt to find riches prospecting for gold. His sea experiences became the basis for stories such as "The Sea Wolf" and his Alaska excursion became the basis for the classic novels "The Call of the Wild" and "White Fang". London was also a self described socialist. He joined several organizations, including the Socialist Labor Party and the Socialist Party of America. His political beliefs are evident in some of his works.

Among is best known and acclaimed works are:

"The Call of the Wild" (1903) is perhaps Jack London's best known story. This work describes the adventures of a large dog named Buck who is kidnapped from his comfortable domesticated existence. He is sent to Alaska where he is sold as a sled dog. Over time, Buck transforms from a peaceful domestic animal to the tough sled dog and eventually to the leader of a pack of wild Arctic wolves.

"White Fang" (1906) is a sequel to The Call of the Wild. The story centers around White Fang - a half wolf, half dog living in the wilds of Alaska. White Fang's adventures take him from wild dog, to a dog-fighter to eventually a peaceful domestic dog. It is interesting to note that this story closes the circle with The Call of the Wild. At the end, White Fang's home in California is the exact same home where Buck's adventure began.

"The Sea Wolf" (1904) depicts the adventures of Humphrey van Weyden. After an accident at sea, Van Weyden is adrift and eventually rescued by a passing schooner. The schooner is led by a tyrannical captain who beats his crew. After a mutiny, the schooner is shipwrecked with only three survivors. The story details the growth of van Weyden from a soft and weak intellectual to a strong and self sufficient man.

"The Iron Heel" (1908) is a science fiction story that was written as a history of the world from a point in the distant future. It chronicles the events that lead up to the Brotherhood of Man society. In this work, the Socialist beliefs of Jack London are most evident.

"Martin Eden" (1909) describes the events surrounding the life of novelist and former sailor, Martin Eden. Martin, being from the working class, is not accepted into high society until after he attains success as a writer. Some believe that London was actually writing about himself in the form of Martin Eden.

London wrote no less than 22 novels and over 100 short stories and essays. Many of his most famous works have been adapted into cinema. The Call of the Wild, White Fang and The Sea Wolf all have been made into movies, TV series and cartoons. No less than 40 film adaptations have been made from these highly popular works. London's works, particularly the Alaska adventures, have maintained extraordinary popularity, even today. Even though the stories contain some grisly descriptions of dog fights, these books are highly recommended for young readers. They are highly recommended as a way to introduce kids to classic literature.

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