“…first millionaire writer in history…” Jack London “…first millionaire writer in history…”

Publishing History Published fifty books from 1900-1916 Only twenty-one are still in print. 1903

Motto “Live life to the fullest!” Explain… “firsthand experience was the only basis for art.”

His Many Hats Sailor Laborer Oyster pirate Fish and game warden Tramp Gold prospector Soapbox orator War correspondent Rancher Bohemian More!

His Times Post-Victorian Pre-Modernist Between the Spanish-American War and World War I

London’s Literary Beginnings With help of local librarian, he began to read… = a Great Discovery! He found his mind…literally!

London’s Literary Beginnings…continued 1897 ~ joined the gold rush to Klondike Determined to tell others what he had seen, heard, and lived. Image of Jack London's cabin as moved, and reconstructed, in Dawson City, Yukon (2001) Jack London in the Klondike

London’s Family

London’s Family London and daughter Joan ~ 1902 Daughters Becky and Joan ~ 1913

London’s Family

I would rather be ashes than dust I would rather be ashes than dust! I would rather that my spark should burn out in a brilliant blaze than it should be stifled by dry-rot. I would rather be a superb meteor, every atom of me in magnificent glow, than a sleepy and permanent planet. The proper function of man is to live, not exist. I shall not waste my days in trying to prolong them, I shall use my time." – Jack London 1876-1916

http://london.sonoma.edu/

References The Collected Jack London. 1992. Barnes and Noble Books.