Martin Eden (Magill’s Survey of American Literature, Revised Edition)

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In Martin Eden, London turned away from writing science fiction and adventure tales to write a realistic study of a working-class writer's struggle to survive while educating himself. Many critics have called this book London's masterpiece.

For all their verve and philosophical pungency, London's adventure novels lack the breadth and sympathetic observation found in serious realistic fiction. In The Sea-Wolf, to take one example, although there is a wealth of incident, the actions revolve around the three central characters. No broad social canvas is painted. The...

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