1Born into poverty, Jack London led a knockabout existence before achieving success as one of the most popular authors of his era. In the course of his brief but active life, he sought adventure -- as a hobo, prospector, sailor, and a dozen other occupations -- along with self-education from the works of Marx, Darwin, Nietzsche, and Jung. The vitality and variety of London's experiences are reflected in his stories, which range from earthy accounts of survival in the Arctic and the South Sea Islands to gripping tales of political upheaval and drama within the boxing ring.
The short story format offers an ideal showcase for London's narrative genius, providing a focus for the great power and fluency of his language. This collection features 13 of London's best works in the genre, including his most acclaimed short story, "To Build a Fire," in which a new arrival to the Klondike stubbornly ignores warnings about the folly of traveling alone. Additional tales include "A Piece of Steak," "The Mexican," "The Law of Life," "All Gold Canyon," and eight others.