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The Portable Jack London (Portable Library)
Binding: Paperback
Author: Jack London
Manufacturer: Penguin (Non-Classics)
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
Features:
Average Rating: 4.5
Total Customer Reviews: 6
List Price: $18.00
Our Price: $12.24
Sales Rank: 53732
Product Description
This collection of the writings of Jack London includes the complete novel of "The Call of the Wild", and short stories - "In a Far Country", "To Build a Fire", "The Strength of the Strong" and "The Water Baby", as well as journalism, political writings, literary criticism and selected letters.
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Users Product Reviews: |
Product Review Summary: Needs a few more of his best stories I am in general a big fan of the Viking Portables; some of them contain almost everything you need from a particular writer. This London volume, however, seems a little light on London's best stories and a little heavy on his political and personal writings. I want a writer's best work in a compendium; it will invariably tell you more about the man than any autobiographical or polemic work ever could. It's the artist's art that matters in the end, not the frame of his personal life.
On the other hand, Viking did very well by only including Call Of The Wild. It is to me by far his finest work, much more intense and concise than White Fang, which most collections include by default. COTW is still one of the very best looks at dogs/wolves, along with Never Cry Wolf; London certainly understood these noble beasts like few writers ever have, and recent research shows that he was a good century ahead of scientists in understanding how animals think.
My favorite JL story is here, To Build A Fire; a literally chilling tale notable for its brevity, which only heightens its impact. Alas, some of my others, such as Odyssey Of the North, are not. But any collection will always leave some fans wanting.
I don't rate London with the true greats of American lit like Twain and Hemingway, but he had his sublime moments, and a few of the best are right here.
Product Review Summary: ... One of the most profound writers I've encountered. This brilliant eclectic anthology is sure to stimulate the highest minds the world has produced.
Product Review Summary: "Desert Island" London I'm a big fan of London, and have (so far) read probably 2/3 of his published work. I always prefer, when possible, to read his stories in their original collected volumes, rather than in the many "greatest hits" collections of his work. This volume is the exception to that rule. Earle Labor, a renowned London scholar, has put together the ultimate "desert island" volume of London's work. All of the best stories are here, as well as an excellent collection of his non-fiction writing, letters, and biographical material. The Call of the Wild is also included in its entirety. Unfortunately, other excellent novels are not represented here, but that's understandable due to space concerns. Labor provides a detailed chronology of London's life, and an introductory essay that puts these varied works into context. The result is not merely a showcase of London's best work, but a volume that gives an excellent overview of the man's life, the stages in his literary career, and the development of his politics and philosophy. For diehard London fans, if you can only fit one book in your carry-on bag, this is a great volume to have with you. For those who have never read London before, this book makes a great introduction to the man and his art.
Product Review Summary: American Experiences This is an exceptional collection of short stories, non-fiction and letters. Though London is best known for his arctic adventure stories (many of his best are found in this book), the breadth of topics about which he wrote is extensive and that is demonstrated here. The things that ties all the writing together, however, are excellent writing, passion, ferocity, intelligence and a social conscience. London had many interests and was a prolific writer and this book captures his talents better than any I've seen. I would highly recommend the collection to any one who likes London, short stories, good writing or American history (since his stories capture many aspects of America in the early 20th century). This is an excellent book and I would highly recommend it.
Product Review Summary: the wellspring ... Do you like good writing? Are you socially aware? Do you really think the only thing good is Call of the Wild? Be prepared for the GOOD stuff.
He doesn't write the fluff. It's all socially relevant or life an death stuff. And it's all written VERY well.
Favorite Stories : the Apostate, and the 2 versions of To Build a Fire ( one the Boy Scout version, the other the real deal.)... READ IT! LOVE IT!
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