Martin Eden

First published in 1909, MARTIN EDEN continues to fascinate and haunt the American imagination. A powerful character study of a young writer caught between his humble origins and his soaring aspirations, between the well-to-do woman he adores and the passionate woman who adores him, between his native individualism and the socialism of his times., the novel sounds Jack London's belief in the power of self-discipline and the sheer force of personal will to overcome any obstacle to success. One of London's most enduring and autobiographical works, MARTIN EDEN has been praised for its vivid and startlingly realistic depiction of its complex hero: a self-made genius bot egotistical and selfless, charismatic and tragic, determined to meet the adventure of life head-on--no matter what the consequences. (back cover)