Author
Jack London
1876-1916
Jack London (1876-1916) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
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Books by Jack London
The call of the wild
"The Call of the Wild" by Jack London is an adventure novel published in 1903. Buck, a powerful dog living comfortably in California, is stolen and sold into service as a sled dog during the Klondike Gold Rush. Thrust into the brutal Yukon wilderness, he must fight to survive among other dogs and harsh masters. As Buck endures the unforgiving environment, he grows increasingly primitive, shedding his domesticated life and answering an ancient instinct that pulls him toward something wild and primal.
White Fang
"White Fang" by Jack London is a novel first serialized in 1906. It follows a wild wolfdog's transformation from the brutal wilderness of the Yukon during the Klondike Gold Rush to eventual domestication. Through the eyes of its canine protagonist, the story explores the violent worlds of both animals and humans, chronicling White Fang's journey through starvation, abuse, and savage dog-fighting before finding redemption. This companion novel to "The Call of the Wild" examines themes of survival, morality, and the possibility of transformation.
Martin Eden
"Martin Eden" by Jack London is a novel published in 1909 about a young working-class sailor who struggles to become a writer. Driven by love for Ruth Morse, a woman from a bourgeois family, Martin Eden pursues intense self-education to rise above his circumstances. As he transforms himself through relentless effort, he becomes increasingly isolated from both his working-class roots and the elite society he sought to join. The novel explores themes of social class, individualism, and the cost of ambition.
The iron heel
"The Iron Heel" by Jack London is a dystopian novel published in 1908. It depicts a future America where a rising socialist movement threatens conservative power, prompting the establishment of a brutal oligarchic dictatorship. Told through a manuscript discovered centuries later, the story follows Avis Everhard as she witnesses her husband Ernest's failed struggle against the tyrannical "Iron Heel." This pioneering work of dystopian fiction influenced George Orwell and offered a prophetic warning about fascism's rise.
The Sea-Wolf
"The Sea-Wolf" by Jack London is a psychological adventure novel published in 1904. Literary critic Humphrey Van Weyden survives a shipwreck only to be rescued by Wolf Larsen, a brutal yet brilliant sea captain who forces him into servitude aboard a seal-hunting schooner. The soft intellectual must learn to survive among a violent crew while confronting Larsen's nihilistic philosophy and physical dominance. When a young woman is rescued at sea, Van Weyden faces new challenges protecting her from both the merciless captain and the harsh realities of life at sea.
The Little Lady of the Big House
"The Little Lady of the Big House" by Jack London is a novel published in 1915. It tells the story of a rancher-poet, his vivacious wife Paula, and an old friend who disrupts their marriage. When Paula falls in love with both men and cannot choose between them, the triangle reaches a devastating conclusion. London's final novel published during his lifetime explores passion, loyalty, and desire through characters inspired by his own life, creating a work that shocked early readers with its frank treatment of sexuality and temptation.
Love of Life, and Other Stories
"Love of Life, and Other Stories" by Jack London is a collection of short stories written during the early 20th century. The opening story, titled "Love of Life," introduces readers to the harsh realities of survival against the odds, as it follows two men, Bill and another unnamed man, who are struggling in the unforgiving wilderness of the Canadian Barrens. The themes of despair, endurance, and the innate will to survive are prominently explored as the characters contend with their physical and emotional hardships. The beginning of "Love of Life" immerses us in the daunting landscape, where the two men are heavily burdened and clearly exhausted. One man, whose sprained ankle hampers him, desperately calls out to his companion Bill, who continues on without looking back. This sets up a poignant tension as he comes to realize his isolation and the overwhelming challenge of survival in an empty and desolate wilderness. We witness his internal battles against fear and despair as he fights to overcome physical pain and the gnawing hunger that threatens his existence, ultimately embodying the predominant theme of survival against both nature and human instinct in Jack London's writing.
Index of the Project Gutenberg Works of Jack London
"Index of the Project Gutenberg Works of Jack London" by Jack London is a compilation of various literary works authored by London himself, produced in the early 20th century. This book is not a narrative per se but serves as an index, allowing readers to navigate through London's extensive body of work, which includes novels, short stories, essays, and plays. The likely topic of this compilation is the exploration of adventure, nature, and the human experience, reflecting London’s interests and themes prevalent throughout his career. The index features notable works such as "The Call of the Wild," "White Fang," and "Martin Eden," among others. Through these titles, readers are invited to discover narratives that delve into themes of survival, the struggle between humanity and nature, and social commentary. Each listing includes titles that showcase London's versatility, from the gripping tales of the Alaskan frontier to philosophical musings and social critiques. This compilation serves as a valuable resource for those interested in exploring the rich literary legacy of one of America's most celebrated writers.
The Jacket (The Star-Rover)
"The Jacket (The Star-Rover)" by Jack London is a novel published in 1915. The story follows Darrell Standing, a university professor imprisoned at San Quentin, who endures torture through a compression device called "the jacket." To survive, he enters trance states where he walks among the stars and experiences vivid past lives across different ages and cultures. London based the novel on interviews with a former convict who actually endured this torture device. The work blends science fiction with mysticism and reincarnation themes.
Lost Face
"Lost Face" by Jack London is a collection of short stories first published in the late 19th century. The title story follows Subienkow, a Polish revolutionary, who faces brutal torture after being captured by indigenous tribesmen in Russian America. As he awaits his grim fate, he reflects on his life's journey and the savagery that has defined it. The opening of "Lost Face" introduces Subienkow, tied up and awaiting torture while observing a giant Cossack, Big Ivan, who is undergoing his own suffering. Subienkow shudders at the thought of begging for mercy, reflecting on his sensitive nature and artistic soul in stark contrast to the harsh realities of his life and his companions' brutal fates. As the narrative unfolds, he devises a desperate plan to save himself by claiming knowledge of a magical medicine that will protect him from harm, leveraging this ruse as he negotiates his survival with his captors. The tension builds around his precarious position, foreshadowing the moral dilemmas he faces in the savage world surrounding him.
The Valley of the Moon
"The Valley of the Moon" by Jack London is a novel published in 1913. Billy and Saxon Roberts are working-class laborers in Oakland whose lives are shattered by labor strikes and violence. Determined to escape the city's turmoil, they embark on a journey through California seeking farmland of their own. Along the way, they encounter artists, socialists, prosperous immigrants, and sustainable farmers, each offering different visions of the American dream. Their quest leads them toward a promised valley where they hope to build a new life.
Smoke Bellew
"Smoke Bellew" by Jack London is a novel written during the early 20th century, reflective of London's interests in adventure and the rugged spirit of the Klondike Gold Rush era. The story follows Christopher Bellew, an artistically inclined young man who transforms into the hardier persona of Smoke Bellew as he embarks on a journey to Alaska during the gold rush, showcasing his evolution from a life of comfort to embracing the grueling lifestyle of a prospector. At the start of the novel, we meet Christopher Bellew, also known as Kit, who is disillusioned with his life in San Francisco. Encouraged by his iron-willed uncle John Bellew, Kit decides to venture into the Klondike to seek adventure and make a living, despite his lack of experience with the harsh realities of such a life. His initial trepidation and romantic notions quickly confront the rigors of the journey as he faces overwhelming physical challenges, underscoring a theme of self-discovery and resilience. The opening sets the stage for Kit's metamorphosis into Smoke, highlighting the contrast between his previous lifestyle and the demanding new life he is about to endure.
The People of the Abyss
"The People of the Abyss" by Jack London is a book published in 1903. It documents London's firsthand experience living among the poor in London's East End slums. Disguising himself and sleeping in workhouses and on streets, the American author immersed himself in the desperate conditions of Whitechapel's working-class. This unflinching account of urban poverty shocked readers and later inspired George Orwell's own investigations into destitution, influencing works like "Down and Out in Paris and London."
Drie Harten
No description available.
The Scarlet Plague
"The Scarlet Plague" by Jack London is a post-apocalyptic novel published in 1912. Set in 2073, sixty years after a devastating epidemic has nearly wiped out humanity, an elderly survivor travels with his primitive grandsons through the ruins of San Francisco. He recounts memories of civilization before the Red Death struck—a world of technology, knowledge, and social order—but struggles to make his grandsons understand a past that seems impossibly distant and unbelievable to them.
The Night-Born
"The Night-Born" by Jack London is a collection of short stories written in the early 20th century. The stories delve into themes of human nature, survival, and the primal instincts that emerge in the face of adversity. The opening story introduces Trefethan, an old man reminiscing about his youth as he reflects on the ideals and experiences that have shaped his life, hinting at explorations of love, loss, and the raw essence of human experience. The beginning of "The Night-Born" sets the stage in a lively San Francisco bar, where characters engage in deep discussions surrounding society's corruption and the recent death of a young boxer, O'Brien. Trefethan recounts a pivotal moment from his youth when he encountered an extraordinary woman, Lucy, among Native American tribes in an untouched valley. His narrative evokes a sense of nostalgia and longing for the vigor and romance of youth while contrasting it with his current state of being. The tension builds as he reveals the contrasting worlds of the "day-born" and the "night-born," setting the thematic tone for the stories within the collection. This exploration of duality and the character's introspection captivates the reader, inviting them to reflect on the complexities of their own existence.
When God Laughs, and Other Stories
"When God Laughs, and Other Stories" by Jack London is a collection of short stories written in the early 20th century. The stories explore complex themes of love, desire, existential struggles, and social commentary, often reflecting the harsh realities of life and human emotions. The opening tale introduces characters who engage in philosophical discussions about love and life, particularly focusing on the concepts of satiety and desire amidst the backdrop of an intense storm. The beginning of the first story, "When God Laughs," sets the scene in a stormy bungalow where the protagonist engages in a deep conversation with his friend Carquinez, who challenges his views on life and the pursuit of happiness. They discuss the nature of desire and fulfillment, particularly through the lens of a couple, Marvin Fiske and Ethel Baird, whose unique love philosophy leads them to deny themselves physical affection to maintain the intensity of their connection. Carquinez ultimately warns that their approach to love might lead to unforeseen consequences, foreshadowing the eventual tragic outcomes of their decisions. The conversation reveals rich character depth and thematic exploration of the relationship between desire, fulfillment, and the whims of fate.
John Barleycorn
"John Barleycorn" by Jack London is an autobiographical novel published in 1913. London chronicles his complex relationship with alcohol across different stages of his life, from his youth as a sailor to his success as a writer. The work explores themes of masculinity and male friendship while serving as both a meditation on alcohol's social role and a cautionary tale about addiction. London presents drinking's contradictory effects—claiming it aided his development as a man and writer, while acknowledging its destructive power and ultimate nihilism.
Moon-Face, and Other Stories
"Moon-Face, and Other Stories" by Jack London is a collection of short stories likely written during the early 20th century. The first story, "Moon-Face," delves into themes of jealousy and the dark urges of the human psyche, centering on a character named John Claverhouse, who is described as a jovial man with an annoying, infectious laugh that drives the narrator into a rage and eventually leads him to contemplate murder. The opening of the book introduces us to the narrator’s intense dislike for John Claverhouse, whose very existence seems to irk him. The narrator reveals a series of petty, spiteful actions meant to disrupt Claverhouse's happiness, culminating in darkly constructed plans to eliminate him. The story captures the narrator's internal turmoil as he becomes increasingly obsessed with Claverhouse’s optimism and laughter, which he finds intolerable. This introduction hints at a suspenseful narrative filled with psychological conflict, setting the tone for a gripping exploration of human emotions and moral ambiguity.
The cruise of the Snark
"The Cruise of the Snark" by Jack London is a non-fiction book published in 1911 that chronicles his 1907 sailing adventure across the South Pacific. Teaching himself celestial navigation and sailing along the way, London voyaged with his wife Charmian and a small crew aboard their forty-five-foot ketch. The book provides first-person accounts and photographs of exotic locations including Hawaii, the Solomon Islands, Tahiti, and Fiji, offering glimpses into remote Pacific cultures at the turn of the twentieth century.
Before Adam
"Before Adam" by Jack London is a fictional novel written in the early 20th century. The book explores themes of evolution and ancestral memory through the lens of a unique narrator who experiences vivid dreams of a prehistoric existence. The protagonist, referred to as Big-Tooth, recounts his childhood among primitive ancestors, facing fears and adventures that take place in the wild during the Mid-Pleistocene epoch. The opening of the novel introduces us to Big-Tooth, a child who grapples with nightmarish dreams filled with a profound sense of terror and longing for connection. He is different from his peers, as his dreams are populated by beings from a distant past, and he feels a strong disassociation between his waking life and his dream world. Through his memories, we meet other characters, such as his friend Lop-Ear and the ominous figure Red-Eye, whose violent presence contrasts with the camaraderie of the horde. Big-Tooth's narrative delves into his experiences of fear, discovery of nature, and the instinctual behaviors that define his existence, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of the primitive struggles of humanity.
The Son of the Wolf
"The Son of the Wolf" by Jack London is a collection of short stories written in the late 19th century. It captures the harsh realities of life in the Yukon Territory during the Klondike Gold Rush, exploring themes of survival, nature, and human relationships in extreme conditions. The stories feature a variety of characters, including adventurers, locals, and indigenous peoples, who navigate the unforgiving landscape and the complex dynamics that arise from their interactions. The opening of the collection is particularly vivid and sets the tone for the struggles that lie ahead. It begins with a depiction of a group traveling on a treacherous journey through the Arctic wilderness, highlighting the challenges of limited resources and the inherent dangers of the environment. The characters—including the two men and an Indian woman—face dire circumstances as they attempt to move forward despite their weak and starving dogs. Tension arises as they manage a dying dog, Carmen, amidst a backdrop of a breathtaking yet ominous "White Silence." This initial glimpse into their journey foreshadows the physical and emotional trials that the characters will endure as they contend with elements of both nature and their own humanity.
The Strength of the Strong
"The Strength of the Strong" by Jack London is a collection of stories written in the early 20th century. The book begins with a parable that dives into themes of strength, community, and development from primitive social structures to more complex ones, and depicts early human struggles and social dynamics. The narrative is engaging and features characters such as Old Long-Beard and his grandsons, who reflect on past experiences that shape their understanding of strength and survival in a primitive environment. At the start of the narrative, Old Long-Beard recounts tales of his ancestors living in fear and isolation, caught in a cycle of individualism that leaves them vulnerable to stronger adversaries. The three grandsons, Deer-Runner, Yellow-Head, and Afraid-of-the-Dark, listen intently as Long-Beard explains how their people once operated as isolated units, but after facing dire threats from the "Meat-Eaters," they formed their first tribe to combine their strengths. This initiates a societal evolution driven by the realizations about collaboration and the necessity of laws to maintain unity and strength. The opening section highlights the contrast between chaos and cohesion, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of human society's development through cooperation and shared strength.
Burning Daylight
"Burning Daylight" by Jack London is a novel published in 1910, and became London's best-selling book during his lifetime. The story follows its main character from the Yukon Territory and Alaska to San Francisco, tracing a dramatic journey across two distinct worlds. Named for a phrase meaning "spending time uselessly," the protagonist lives against this principle, determined to embrace life to its fullest. The novel's enduring appeal has inspired multiple film adaptations across different countries and decades.