The Call of the Wild Annotated

By: London, Jack

The Call of the Wild is a novel by American writer Jack London. The plot concerns a previously domesticated and even somewhat pampered dog named Buck, whose primordial instincts return after a series of events finds him serving as a sled dog in the treacherous, frigid Yukon during the days of the 19th century Klondike Gold Rushes.Published in 1903, The Call of the Wild is one of London's most-read books, and it is generally considered one of his best. Because the protagonist is a dog, it is sometimes classified as a juvenile novel, suitable for children, but it is dark in tone and contains numerous scenes of cruelty and violence.London followed the book in 1906 with White Fang, a companion novel with many similar plot elements and themes as The Call of the Wild, although following a mirror image plot in which a wild wolf becomes civilized by a mining expert from San Francisco named Weedon Scott.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B087SFGBJM
• ISBN13: 9798641625904
• Release Date: April 2020
• Publisher: Independently published
• Length: 112 Pages
• Weight: 0.31 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.5" x 0.3" x 5.5"

Customer Reviews

Buck realizes his potential.

Some see the title “Call of the Wild,” others the actual title “The Call of the Wild.” You might even find “Jack London’s The Call of the Wild.” Then some people illustrate, and/or adapt, even retold. One thing is for sure: the people who make most of the covers have not read the book and do not know what Buck looks like. Gold was found in Alaska, and the rush to obtain it required a strong constitution and many dogs to do the work that horses usually did in the United States. The environment breeds harsh attitudes. Also, in the testing of one's mettle, one finds their true potential. Buck (a dog that is half St Bernard and half Shepherd) goes through many lives, trials, and tribulations, finally realizing his potential. On the way, he learns many concepts, from surprise to deceit and cunning; he also learns loyalty, devotion, and love. As he is growing, he feels the call of the wild. This book is well written. There is no wasted word or thought, and the story, while building on itself, has purpose and direction. The descriptions may be a tad graphic for the squeamish and a tad sentimental for the romantic. You see the world through Buck's eyes and understand it through his perspective until you also feel the call of the wild. There are many good movies made based on the book. One such is Jack London's “The Call of the Wild: Dog of the Yukon” [1997] with Rutger Hauer. Illustrated versions may distract from your imagination. Annotated versions may be opinionated.