Jack London
- Born:
- January 12, 1876, San Francisco, California, USA
- Died:
- November 22, 1916, Glen Ellen, California, USA
- Nationality:
- American
- Profession(s):
- Author, Journalist, Social Activist
Early Life and Education
- Born John Griffith Chaney, later known as Jack London.
- Spent his early years in poverty.
- Worked various jobs, including factory work, oyster piracy, and as a sailor.
- Briefly attended the University of California, Berkeley, but left after one semester due to financial constraints.
Career and Major Achievements
- Gained recognition for his adventure novels and short stories set in the Klondike Gold Rush and other harsh environments.
- Developed a writing style characterized by realism, naturalism, and socialist themes.
- Became one of the first American authors to achieve international fame and earn a substantial income from writing.
- Reported on the Russo-Japanese War for the Hearst newspapers.
- His work often explored themes of survival, the struggle against nature, and the conflict between individualism and societal forces.
Notable Works
- The Call of the Wild (1903)
- White Fang (1906)
- The Sea-Wolf (1904)
- Martin Eden (1909)
- Iron Heel (1908)
- "To Build a Fire" (1908)
- Many of his short stories, including exploration of stories like that behind 'the law of life jack london sparknotes', reflect his broader engagement with philosophical and social questions.
Legacy and Impact
Jack London's works continue to be widely read and studied, and he remains a significant figure in American literature. His adventurous life and compelling stories have inspired generations of readers, and his social and political views continue to resonate today.
Selected Film Adaptations
Title | Year | Based On |
---|---|---|
The Call of the Wild (various versions) | Various | The Call of the Wild |
White Fang (various versions) | Various | White Fang |
The Sea-Wolf (various versions) | Various | The Sea-Wolf |