Old Favorites: Jack London

We’re focusing on newer books, movies, and television shows for 2018, but that doesn’t mean we’re entirely ignoring old favorites! After all, what’s that saying–what’s old may just become new again (or something like that)?

This past week marked the 121st anniversary of a young man by the name of Jack London going north to Alaska to the Klondike Gold Rush. It was in Alaska that London first wrote his stories that would become famous. Since the heat and humidity here in Arkansas has been brutal this summer, you might want to follow Jack’s lead in spirit and seek some solace in his Alaskan adventures. 🙂

The Collected Jack London (1992)

You won’t get a more comprehensive look at London’s work than this collection, which features dozens of his short stories, 4 novels (including his 2 most famous, Great American Read contender Call of the Wild and White Fang*), and a memoir. London’s novels get the most attention, but his short stories are well worth exploring, too. I dare you to read “To Build A Fire” (a personal favorite of mine) and not feel frozen at the end.

*Both also available as ebooks on Libby.

White Fang (1991) and Call of the Wild (2000)

 

You can also try movie versions of London’s most famous stories of survival, if you prefer.

Jack London Reports (1970)

It’s easy to just think of London as a fiction writer, but he was also a prolific journalist during his time. This book collects some of his news articles, especially examples of his work as a war and sports correspondent.

Earle Labor’s Jack London: An American Life (2013) and Rebecca Stefoff’s Jack London: An American Original (2002)

 

Jack London’s life was as action-packed and adventurous as his writing. If you want to learn more about the man himself, his at times self-destructive personality, and his short but rich life, consider reading one or both of the London biographies we have in the collection.

Please follow this link to the online library catalog link for more information on any of these items. And please be sure to vote for your favorites on the Great American Read! Voting open now through October 18, 2018.

What are your thoughts on Jack London? Who is your favorite adventure writer? Is Call of the Wild one of your votes for the Great American Read? Tell us in the comments!