Jack London, born John Griffith Chaney on January 12, 1876, in San Francisco, California, emerged as one of America's foremost literary figures. He lived a life marked by adventure, hardship, and a fervent commitment to social issues, which would significantly influence his writing. London passed away on November 22, 1916, in Glen Ellen, California, at the young age of 40, leaving behind a legacy that continues to resonate with readers today.

London's early life was tumultuous. He was born to an unwed mother and raised in a working-class neighborhood. His childhood was marred by poverty, and he often had to fend for himself. At the age of 14, he dropped out of school to work various jobs, including as an oyster pirate in San Francisco Bay. These early experiences instilled in him a profound understanding of the struggles of the working class, which would later permeate his literary works.

His literary career began in the late 1890s, inspired by the social and economic conditions around him. London's first significant success came with the short story "To Build a Fire," published in 1902. However, it was his novels, particularly "The Call of the Wild" (1903) and "White Fang" (1906), that solidified his reputation. These works, set against the backdrop of the Klondike Gold Rush, explore themes of survival, nature, and the primal instincts within humanity. London was also a committed political activist, writing extensively about socialism and advocating for workers' rights in works like "The People of the Abyss" (1903).

In his personal life, London was married twice and had two daughters. His adventurous spirit led him to explore the world, including a significant trip to the Yukon, which greatly influenced his writing. Despite his literary success, he struggled with personal demons, including alcoholism and depression. Nevertheless, Jack London's contributions to literature and social thought remain impactful, capturing the rugged spirit of the American experience and the complexities of human existence.