The Paradox of Jack London

We look at a new biography of “The Call of the Wild” author, Jack London.

A century of Americans and more have grown up now with the gripping adventure stories of Jack London.

“The Call of the Wild.” “White Fang.” “The Sea-Wolf." Fierce stories of men and dogs and blood and survival. Of fire and ice.

Fewer know Jack London’s fierce politics. His fiery socialism born of brute childhood poverty in the Gilded Age, back-breaking work for pennies, and the fierce conviction that America should do better by its working class.

A new biography retells the Jack London story. It's gripping in its own right. We talk all about London's life and writing.
-Tom Ashbrook

Guest:

James Haley is author of the award-winning biography "Sam Houston." His new book is "Wolf: The Lives of Jack London."  Read an excerpt.

Web extra: Read Jack London's books, essays, and war writing at "The Jack London Online Collection."