Jack London

Berkove (English, U. of Michigan-Dearborn) brings together a group of literature scholars from the US and Ireland for 18 essays on the career, life, and influence of American author Jack London. Topics include the themes of Darwinism, naturalism, moral idealism, and racism in his works; the historical context; comparisons to Mark Twain and the attitudes of Thomas Jefferson and Ralph Waldo Emerson; critical reception; his move from traditional male and female characters to characters who combine characteristics of both sexes; and analyses of Martin Eden, Barley Corn, The Call of the Wild, The Star Rover, Tales of Cannibals and Headhunters, his essay "Telic Action & Collective Stupidity," his short stories, and his early fiction. Some essays were previously published. Annotation 穢2011 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)