Five Great Short Stories

One of the most widely read of all American writers, Jack London (1876–1916) based his novels and stories on the experiences and observations of a life that took him from the frozen wilds of the Klondike to the sun-drenched atolls of the South Seas. This volume presents a selection of five of his best stories, each brimming with the energy, color, and drive typical of London's vivid story-telling style. "The White Silence," "In a Far Country," and "An Odyssey of the North" are suspenseful tales that bring the harshness of the frozen wilderness of the north powerfully to life. "The Seed of McCoy" reflects London's experience as a sailor in the South Pacific. The last story, "The Mexican," displays London's celebrated talents as a sportswriter in this sympathetic portrayal of a prizefighter working for the success of the Mexican Revolution. Here are five stories that epitomize Jack London's mastery of the adventure story and the compelling prose style that influenced generations of writers.