The Portable Jack London

By Jack London

Book Overview

Essential stories, letters, and writings from the influential American author

Alfred Kazin has aptly remarked that "the greatest story Jack London ever wrote was the story he lived." Newsboy, factory "work beast," gang member, hobo, sailor, Klondike argonaut, socialist crusader, war correspondent, utopian farmer, and world-famous adventurer: London is the closest thing America has had to a literary folk hero. His writing itself is concerned with nothing less than the largest questions and the grandest themes: What does it mean to be a human being in the natural world? What debts do human beings owe each other--and to all their fellow creatures?

This collection places London, at last, securely within the American literary pantheon. It includes the complete novel The Call of the Wild; such famous stories as "Love of Life," "To Build a Fire," and "All Gold Canyon"; journalism, political writings, literary criticism, and selected letters.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0140179690
• ISBN13: 9780140179699
• Release Date: July 1994
• Publisher: Penguin Classics
• Length: 608 Pages
• Weight: 0.95 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.5" x 5.1" x 7.7"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher

Customer Reviews

...

One of the most profound writers I've encountered. This brilliant eclectic anthology is sure to stimulate the highest minds the world has produced.

"Desert Island" London

I'm a big fan of London, and have (so far) read probably 2/3 of his published work. I always prefer, when possible, to read his stories in their original collected volumes, rather than in the many "greatest hits" collections of his work. This volume is the exception to that rule. Earle Labor, a renowned London scholar, has put together the ultimate "desert island" volume of London's work. All of the best stories are here, as well as an excellent collection of his non-fiction writing, letters, and biographical material. The Call of the Wild is also included in its entirety. Unfortunately, other excellent novels are not represented here, but that's understandable due to space concerns. Labor provides a detailed chronology of London's life, and an introductory essay that puts these varied works into context. The result is not merely a showcase of London's best work, but a volume that gives an excellent overview of the man's life, the stages in his literary career, and the development of his politics and philosophy. For diehard London fans, if you can only fit one book in your carry-on bag, this is a great volume to have with you. For those who have never read London before, this book makes a great introduction to the man and his art.

American Experiences

This is an exceptional collection of short stories, non-fiction and letters. Though London is best known for his arctic adventure stories (many of his best are found in this book), the breadth of topics about which he wrote is extensive and that is demonstrated here. The things that ties all the writing together, however, are excellent writing, passion, ferocity, intelligence and a social conscience. London had many interests and was a prolific writer and this book captures his talents better than any I've seen. I would highly recommend the collection to any one who likes London, short stories, good writing or American history (since his stories capture many aspects of America in the early 20th century). This is an excellent book and I would highly recommend it.

the wellspring

... Do you like good writing? Are you socially aware? Do you really think the only thing good is Call of the Wild? Be prepared for the GOOD stuff. He doesn't write the fluff. It's all socially relevant or life an death stuff. And it's all written VERY well. Favorite Stories : the Apostate, and the 2 versions of To Build a Fire ( one the Boy Scout version, the other the real deal.)... READ IT! LOVE IT!

A new dimension to London

I first read this collection about two years ago and still go back to selected works from time to time. If all you have read by London is "The Call of The Wild", then you have not been exposed to the depth of his writing.Stories like "A piece of steak" and the more popular "To build a fire" show London's ability to highlight the human spirit. "Strength of the strong" has deep political connotations and probably inspired "Animal Farm" by George Orwell, a contemporary of London. There are really so many great stories in this collection. I advise anyone to explore the work of Jack London further.