Jack London Biography
Jack London wrote rugged adventure stories, and that comes as no surprise. He was mainly raised by a former slave named Virginia Prentiss due to his mother’s illness. His father left the family when Jack was just a baby, and London began working in a cannery when he was just thirteen. After that, he spent several years as a sailor. He went back to California a few years later and began writing about his experiences. London joined in the Klondike Gold Rush in 1897 and developed several health problems, including scurvy. A year later, he began his writing career in earnest and went on to author many short stories and novels including his best-known work, The Call of the Wild, which is still popular to this day.
Facts and Trivia
- Many people speculate that London’s father was William Chaney, a famous astrologer. It’s difficult to know for certain because most San Francisco civil records were destroyed in the earthquake of 1906.
- London almost quit writing when he was offered a mere $5 for his first published story.
- London was often accused of plagiarism, partly because he based many of his stories on newspaper and magazine articles.
- Some praise London for his views on minorities, and others criticize him for being concerned, like many other Californians at the time, about Asian immigration.
- Jack London’s death continues to be a mystery. There is a great deal of controversy over whether it was uremia or suicide by morphine overdose.
Biography
Jack London was a man who thrived on adventure, channeling his experiences into gripping narratives that captivated audiences. Born on January 12, 1876, in San Francisco, California, London's life was as eventful as his stories. From tumultuous beginnings to literary acclaim, his journey reflected a blend of personal hardships and relentless exploration.
Early Life and Family Background
Jack London entered the world under challenging circumstances. Believed to be the illegitimate son of William Chaney and Flora Wellman, his parents were devotees of spiritualism, immersed in the mystical realm of psychic phenomena. Chaney, an astrologist, and Wellman, who conducted seances, led unconventional lives. The stigma of an unwed pregnancy and Chaney’s refusal to acknowledge his paternity drove Wellman to despair, leading to two suicide attempts, both unsuccessful. Eventually, Flora married John London, giving her son the surname that would later become famous.
Teenage Years and Early Work
Raised in a working-class family, Jack, originally named John Griffith Chaney, faced financial adversity early on. At the tender age of thirteen, he left school to work, his education cut short by his mother's financial misstep in a real estate scam. His jobs varied from oyster pirate to sailor, each position providing rich material for future tales. As a young man, he crisscrossed the nation as a hobo and joined Kelly's industrial army, a movement of unemployed workers protesting during the economic downturn of the 1890s. By seventeen, London embarked on a sealing expedition aboard the Sophia Sutherland, a journey that further fueled his passion for storytelling.
Education and the Klondike
Despite his sporadic formal education, London’s desire to learn never waned. At nineteen, he managed to enter Oakland High School and later took a university entrance exam, granting him brief access to the University of California. However, academia couldn't contain his adventurous spirit for long. The allure of the Klondike Gold Rush in 1897 drew him north, where the harsh yet inspiring landscape provided the backdrop for many of his future writings. Although he returned without gold, the experience enriched his narrative arsenal.
Socialism and Literary Beginnings
London’s time in factories and among the working class shaped his political ideology, turning him into a passionate Socialist. His writings and political endeavors reflected his commitment to improving labor conditions during a period marked by stark economic disparity. His debut stories appeared in 1899, and by 1900, his first book, The Son of the Wolf, was published. Around this time, he married a socialite, and together they had two daughters. The union, however, did little to quell his restless nature.
Rise to Fame
The turn of the century marked London's ascendancy as a celebrated author. After returning from England, where he explored severe social inequalities, he penned The Call of the Wild in a mere five weeks. The novel, inspired by a real-life encounter with a dog in the Klondike, became an instant success, resonating with readers' primal instincts. Despite its popularity, London profited minimally from it, having sold the rights prematurely.
Health Decline and Personal Life
By 1904, London's health began to deteriorate, exacerbated by his lifestyle choices, including heavy smoking and drinking. Despite these challenges, he continued to pursue new experiences, working as a correspondent during the Russo-Japanese War and delivering lectures across America. In 1905, after divorcing his first wife, he quickly remarried Charmian Kittredge, a decision that caught public attention. Nevertheless, his fame and financial success continued to grow, making him one of America's first millionaire writers.
Adventures and Literary Contributions
In 1906, London covered the San Francisco earthquake and set out to sail the world on the Snark
(This entire section contains 765 words.)
Unlock this Study Guide Now
Start your 48-hour free trial and get ahead in class. Boost your grades with access to expert answers and top-tier study guides. Thousands of students are already mastering their assignments—don't miss out. Cancel anytime.
Already a member? Log in here.
Snark. During his travels, he visited Hawaii, where he played a part in challenging societal stigma against leprosy. His time in the South Pacific produced "To Build a Fire," a story that has since been translated into numerous languages. Although his journey on the Snark was cut short due to illness, it yielded significant literary output, including The Cruise of the Snark and South Sea Tales.
Final Years and Legacy
Back from the sea, London turned his attention to constructing his dream home, Wolf House, only to see it destroyed by fire in 1913. Despite this setback, he continued to write from his ranch. In late 1916, London's health took a fatal turn, leading to his untimely death. While rumors of suicide circulated, modern analysis suggests his demise was due to natural causes linked to his kidney issues. Initially dismissed by critics, London’s works found renewed appreciation in the late twentieth century, reaching audiences unencumbered by earlier moral prejudices. His stories of rugged adventure and human nature continue to captivate and inspire readers today.
