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John Griffith London (1876 - 1916), commonly known as Jack London, was an American journalist, social activist, and novelist. He was an early pioneer of commercial magazine fiction, becoming one of the first globally-famous celebrity writers who were able to earn a large amount of money from their writing. "John Barleycorn" is a 1913 autobiographical novel by London that largely deals with his life-long struggle with alcoholism. The titles of the novel comes from an eponymous British folk song. This fascinating volume will appeal to those with an interest in the life of Jack London, as well as those with an interest in alcoholism. Other notable works by this author include: "The Cruise of the Dazzler" (1902), "The Kempton-Wace Letters" (1903), and "The Call of the Wild" (1903). Many vintage books such as this are increasingly scarce and expensive. We are republishing this volume now in an affordable, modern, high-quality edition complete with a specially-commissioned new biography of the author.
About the author
Jack London, born John Griffith Chaney on January 12, 1876, in San Francisco, was an influential American novelist, journalist, and social activist. Known for his rugged tales of adventure, London gained fame with works like The Call of the Wild and White Fang, which drew from his experiences during the Klondike Gold Rush. His writing not only entertained but also addressed social issues, including workers' rights and socialism.A prolific writer, London became one of the first American authors to achieve both commercial success and international celebrity. His ability to capture the harsh realities of life and nature in his narratives established him as a key figure in American literature, especially within the Realism and Naturalism movements. Despite his success, London's personal life was marked by struggles with health and financial instability, yet he continued to write prolifically until his untimely death at the age of 40.London's legacy endures through his contributions to literature and his influence on subsequent generations of writers. His works, characterized by their vivid descriptions and exploration of human and animal instincts, remain widely read and studied, reflecting his enduring impact on American literary tradition.
