Jack London was born John Griffith Chaney on January 12, 1876, in San Francisco, California. He led a life of adventure that included hoboing, sailing, the Klondike Gold Rush, and various other endeavors before he achieved fame as a writer. His experiences contributed to his scores of essays, short stories, and over fifty books, including 'The Call of the Wild' and 'White Fang'. His writings reflect his deep interest in social justice and in the struggle of humans against the environment.