If you don't know who he is, he is the guy who wrote books such as "The Call of the Wild" and "White Fang". Books that inspire us to know more about Canada's northland and the critters contained therein.
Both of those books were favourites of mine as a youngster. Calling me into the land of untamed wilderness and the heart of animals that are part of it. :)
BUT this book is NOT about those animals, but about the man who wrote the books. A biography of a great author. His books required and desired reading among Canadian Students, speaking to the allure of the north.
Jack London who got swept up in the Gold Rush of 1897.
Filled with photographs of the day and the daring heroism of the men who set a goal.. GET TO THE GOLD!!! Climbing over mountains, fording rivers, canoeing across large rivers, dealing with weather, and fording through the untamed wilds of Canada.
The sheer hardship they went through.
The number of men forced to turn back.
The fight against the land and the weather and the animals.
The sheer joy of striking it rich.
The thrill of making it through the rushing water.
The knowledge of the need to return home.
The sorrow when riches weren't found.
So many stories and adventures contained within one book.
What else did I appreciate in this book?
The timeline in the back of the book.running from 1876 to 1912.
His early life and his love of books.
His work as a seaman.
His vagrancy.
Gold rush days.
Marriage to Bessie May Maddern.
And various books/stories written.
I appreciated that the author explained that he did take some liberties with the story. Much in the book in included from writing from Mr. London and others who travelled with him.
188 pages
published by Henry Holt and Company
Written by Peter Lourie
Type: Biography
Written for ages 8-12.
Illustrated by Wendell Minor
Reviewed for Raincoast Books
Amazon.com: Jack London and the Klondike Gold Rush
I saw this review a while back and thought I had commented. I know I read your post because I added it to my book list. This looks like a really interesting book to read. I am fascinated by so many historical folks - they went through so much and we benefit from their hardships.
ReplyDeleteWell written biographies are hi reat to read
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