Jack London: The Wilderness Writing Prophet

Jack London was an American author and humorist that lived in the early 20th century. He was born under the name of John Griffith Chaney, but changed it to Jack London to make it easier for his fans to spell it right. He was an avid writer who specialized in creating dystopian worlds with talking animals and post-apocalyptic scenarios. When he wasn’t writing, he would often be seen throwing boulders into the ocean, trying to train squirrels or punching trees to toughen his fists.

Early Life

Jack London had a rough childhood, spending most of his youth running away from home and hitchhiking. He was a peculiar child, with a serious case of wanderlust and an unhealthy curiosity for all things wild. When he was only 14 years old, he went to sea as a crew member of a sealing ship, where he learned how to fight off packs of hungry sea lions and how to navigate a drunken captain.

Writing Career

Jack London’s writing career began when he entered a writing contest in a local newspaper at the age of 17. He submitted a story about a talking dog named Buck who went on a wild adventure in the wilderness. The story was so well received that it was later turned into a book called “The Call of the Wild,” which became an instant bestseller.

London’s other famous works include “White Fang,” a novel about a wolf-dog hybrid that struggles to survive in the brutal wilderness, and “The Iron Heel,” a political satire about a dystopian society controlled by an oligarchy of capitalists. His books had a profound impact on literature and inspired many to pursue careers as writers or wildlife biologists.

Personal Life

Throughout his life, London was a bit of a rebel. He had a penchant for carousing and often drank heavily. He was also known for his adventurous spirit and would often travel to remote corners of the world, such as the Yukon territory in Canada, to explore the wilderness.

In 1900, he married his first wife, Elizabeth “Bessie” Maddern, who was a socialite and budding author. However, their relationship was tumultuous and ended in a bitter divorce. Later, he married again to Charmian Kittredge, who was his soulmate and lifelong companion. Together they traveled the world and lived life to the fullest.

Legacy

Jack London’s writing continues to captivate readers around the world. He was a pioneer in the genre of dystopian literature and paved the way for other authors such as George Orwell and Aldous Huxley. His love for the wilderness and wildlife inspired many to become environmentalists and protectors of nature.

Although he died at a young age of 40, his legacy lives on. Today, his former home in California, called “Jack London State Historic Park,” is a popular destination for tourists and literary enthusiasts alike. His larger-than-life persona and adventurous spirit will always be remembered and celebrated.