Product Description

The Call of the Wild is the story of Buck, a large dog who is betrayed, sold and cruelly forced to pull a sledge through the frozen Yukon. Buck must adapt to the brutality of his new life, until he is saved and domesticated again – although the call of the wild always persists. In White Fang a wild young cub, part dog and part wolf, grows up solitary and savage and becomes the most deadly fighter of them all, until at last he has the chance to respond to kindness and learn the ways of civilization.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #43251 in Books
• Published on: 2007-07-26
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 278 pages

About the Author
Jack London (1876–1916) was born John Chaney in Pennsylvania, USA. In 1896 he was caught up in the gold rush to the Klondike river in north-west Canada, which became the inspiration for <I>The Call of the Wild (</I>1903) and <I>White Fang</I> (1906). Jack London became one of the most widely read writers in the world.

Customer Reviews

Wonderful read - flawed philosophy
"Call of the wild" is the story of a journey (metaphysical as well as physical) of the dog, Buck, from his pampered life in the home of a wealthy man, to his discovery of his true self, wild and unfettered by man. Along the way he encounters cruelty and kindness (both human and animal) as he travels in the wild country of northern Canada. As each challenge is presented to him, his true, inner self (the "call of the wild") brings him through until, at the end of the journey, he achieves his true destiny as leader of a wolf pack.
The story is not for the faint-hearted, and many animal lovers will be horrified at the portayals of human and animal cruelty. Nonetheless, it is true to life, and, despite the brutal realism, also contains a kind, warm-hearted streak.
The writing is both beautiful and powerful; however the Nietzschean, atavistic philosphy of London is less convincing at the start of the 21st century than it probably was at the start of the 20th. Nevertheless, although London's philosophy is questionable, this does not detract from the convincing tale of how Buck's journey develops. A wonderful read and highly recommended.

Buck realizes his potential
Gold was found in Alaska, the rush to obtain it required a strong constitution and many dogs to do the work that horses usually did in the states. The environment bread harsh attitudes. Also in the testing of ones mettle one finds their true potential.

Buck (a dog that is half St Bernard and half Shepherd) goes through many lives, trials, and tribulations finally realizing his potential. On the way he learns many concepts from surprise, to deceit, and cunning; he also learns loyalty, devotion, and love. As he is growing he feels the call of the wild.

This book is well written. There is not a wasted word or thought and the story while building on its self has purpose and direction. The descriptions may be a tad graphic for the squeamish and a tad sentimental for the romantic. You see the world through Buck's eyes and understand it through his perspective until you also feel the call of the wild.

Great classic reading
White Fang is the story of the wolf by that name. He goes from the wild, to the American Red Indians with Gray Beaver as his master. After 'Beauty' Smith has got Gray Beaver addicted to alcohol, he bribes the owner of the Fighting Wolf to give over the quarter-dog. From here he becomes a professional Fighting Wolf, and after a nasty encounter with a bulldog, he is picked up by his new 'love-master' Scott. From here he goes to California to live a long and healthy life with the love master.

Call of the Wild is the story of Buck, a St Bernard/Shepherd dog cross, who goes from master to master, pulling sleds acrosss Alaska until he eventually returns to the wild with his wild brothers. I found White Fang better than Call of the Wild because it is a lot more realistic. Both myself and my Mum have read the book, and while it is very good, it is too descriptve, and the opening paragraph could have been reduced to two lines. A great book for those dark winter evenings.