Read more
Lost Face (1910) is a collection of seven short stories by American writer Jack London. Drawing on his experiences as a gold prospector in the Yukon, London explores the life of humanity at the edge of civilization. In these stories of life and death, nature reigns supreme over society, and even the strong are not guaranteed to survive. "Lost Face" is the story of a Polish trapper and fur thief named Subienkow. Captured by Native Americans, he watches in horror as a strong, courageous Cossack is slowly killed through hours of brutal torture. Recalling the hardships he faced in Poland, Russia, and Siberia, Subienkow delves deep into his reservoir of experience to devise a plan he hopes will allow him to escape such a terrible fate. Using an interpreter, he convinces Makamuk, the chief, that he possesses a powerful medicine, and offers it in exchange for his life. In "To Build a Fire"-a frequently anthologized work of adventure fiction and one of London's most beloved works-an explorer decides to trek into the forest of the Yukon while a winter storm looms on the horizon. Ignoring all signs of danger, as well as the warnings of an experienced elder, he finds himself lost in the woods with nothing but a dog and a fire. With no time to question his motives-he had set out to visit a friend's cabin-he is forced to face nature head on, and on its own terms. Lost Face, published at the height of London's career, compiles seven stories from the master of adventure and naturalist fiction. With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Jack London's Lost Face is a classic of American literature reimagined for modern readers.
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.
Summary
Lost Face (1910) is a collection of seven short stories by American writer Jack London. Drawing on his experiences as a gold prospector in the Yukon, London explores the life of humanity at the edge of civilization. In these stories of life and death, nature reigns supreme over society, and even the strong are not guaranteed to survive. “Lost Face” is the story of a Polish trapper and fur thief named Subienkow. Captured by Native Americans, he watches in horror as a strong, courageous Cossack is slowly killed through hours of brutal torture. Recalling the hardships he faced in Poland, Russia, and Siberia, Subienkow delves deep into his reservoir of experience to devise a plan he hopes will allow him to escape such a terrible fate. Using an interpreter, he convinces Makamuk, the chief, that he possesses a powerful medicine, and offers it in exchange for his life. In “To Build a Fire”—a frequently anthologized work of adventure fiction and one of London’s most beloved works—an explorer decides to trek into the forest of the Yukon while a winter storm looms on the horizon. Ignoring all signs of danger, as well as the warnings of an experienced elder, he finds himself lost in the woods with nothing but a dog and a fire. With no time to question his motives—he had set out to visit a friend’s cabin—he is forced to face nature head on, and on its own terms. Lost Face, published at the height of London’s career, compiles seven stories from the master of adventure and naturalist fiction. With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Jack London’s Lost Face is a classic of American literature reimagined for modern readers.
