Jack Griffith London was born in San Francisco in 1876 his mother was of a wealthy background, her name was Flora Wellman. His father may have been William Chaney, a journalist, lawyer, and major figure in the development of American astrology. Because Flora was ill, an ex-slave, Virginia Prentiss, who was a major mother like figure while he grew up, raised Jack through infancy. Late in 1876, Flora married John London, a partially disabled Civil War veteran. …showed first 75 words of 559 total…

…showed last 75 words of 559 total…problems, during his thirties London developed kidney disease of unknown origin. He died on November 22, 1916 on the ranch. His writings became translated in several dozen languages, and he remains more widely read in some countries outside of the United States today than in his home country. Study of his life and writings provide a case through which to examine the contradictions in the American character, and key movements and ideas prominent during the Progressive era.