Born John Griffith Chaney in 1876, London lived 40 years. Started as an oyster pirate at age 15, later joined California Fish Patrol. Sailed across Pacific to Japan, Hawaii, and other Pacific islands. Built his own 55-foot vessel, the Snark, for worldwide sailing
Novel follows literary critic Humphrey Van Weyden after shipwreck. Wolf Larsen, captain of seal-hunting schooner, rescues Van Weyden. Larsen is described as 5'10" tall, intelligent and physically strong. Van Weyden initially weak but grows stronger through labor. Maud Brewster, wealthy writer, becomes Van Weyden's first love interest
American-Canadian TV adaptation based on Jack London's 1904 novel. Directed by Michael Anderson, starring Charles Bronson and Christopher Reeve. Filmed on 1924 schooner "Zodiac" in Vancouver. Sound stage featured five cabins and water tank for sea effect
Published in 1906, serialized in Outing magazine. Companion novel to London's The Call of the Wild. Translated into over 89 languages
Published in 1909 by Macmillan after serialization in The Pacific Monthly. Written by Jack London at age 33 during a two-year Pacific voyage. Initially titled "God's Own Mad Lover"
Born in San Francisco in 1876 to spiritualist mother Flora Wellman. Experienced poverty and unstable childhood due to frequent family moves. Worked various jobs including newsboy and oyster pirate. Self-educated through Oakland Public Library reading major authors