Description
By: Jack London (1876-1916)
Martin Eden is a captivating novel that tells the story of a young man’s journey from illiterate sailor to successful writer. Jack London’s writing style is powerful and engaging, drawing the reader into the world of early 20th century America. The protagonist, Martin Eden, is a complex character whose struggles and successes are both relatable and inspiring.
One of the most striking aspects of the novel is its exploration of the power of education and self-improvement. Martin’s determination to better himself through reading and learning is both admirable and heartbreaking, as he faces resistance and criticism from those around him. The novel also delves into themes of social class, ambition, and the nature of success.
Overall, Martin Eden is a thought-provoking and compelling read that will stay with you long after you finish the last page. Jack London’s vivid descriptions and deep character development make this novel a timeless classic that is sure to resonate with readers of all ages.
Book Description:
Martin Eden (1909) is a novel by American author Jack London, about a struggling young writer. It was first serialized in the Pacific Monthly magazine from September 1908 to September 1909, and subsequently published in book form by The Macmillan Company in September 1909.
This book is a favorite among writers, who relate to Martin Eden’s speculation that when he mailed off a manuscript, ‘there was no human editor at the other end, but a mere cunning arrangement of cogs that changed the manuscript from one envelope to another and stuck on the stamps,’ returning it automatically with a rejection slip.
While some readers believe there is some resemblance between them, an important difference between Jack London and Martin Eden is that Martin Eden rejects socialism (attacking it as ‘slave morality’), and relies on a Nietzschean individualism. In a note to Upton Sinclair, Jack London wrote, “One of my motifs, in this book, was an attack on individualism (in the person of the hero). I must have bungled, for not a single reviewer has discovered it.”
