The life story of Jack London is as exciting and as full of extraordinary events and people as any of his world-famous books. The author of White Fang, The Sea-Wolf, Martin Eden, and The Call of the Wild met high adventure on the road, at sea, and in the far North. He was born poor. He was supporting his family at eleven. At fifteen he was one of the oyster-pirates--a gang of toughs who made their money illegally from the sea and spent it in roistering. He was a gold prospector, a seal harpooner, a tramp; and from the background of his own almost incredibly story he wove the fascinating tales that brought him wealth and fame.

The author, novelist Arthur Calder-Marshall, says that his book "is not in the usual heroic tradition of 'go thou and do likewise.' It is as much a cautionary tale as it is one of achievement. London was a man of great talent, even of genius. But he made the most appalling mistakes...."

The works of Jack London are as popular today as when they first were written. In this fascinating biography, Mr. Calder-Marshall demonstrates that the work and the life of Jack London were one and inseparable, flaming, colorful, dramatic.
First published January 1, 1961