To Build a Fire and Other Stories (Bantam Classics)

I read many of London's abridged novels when I was very young, but I never really appreciated his writing to the fullest extent until I read this collection of stories. These stories are not simple, shallow writings. They each have a message of their own, they take digesting. In each story the author reflects upon human nature and strikes a chord that rings true in all of us. After the end of each story, I had to pause and take in the story. As was noted previously, the highlight of this collection were tales in the Arctic setting, such as "To Build a Fire" and "The Oddysey." However, one of the greatest things about this collection is its diversity, and there are many great stories with varied settings. Although it is not guaranteed that you will enjoy each and every story, there is definately something for everyone. In conclusion, London's works are masterpieces that I highly recommend

This was one of the first short stories I read to improve my English when I arrived in the United States. It still grips me because of how well the main story is written!

About 6 months ago our battery First Sgt. decided to have everybody ruck with over 40 pounds on their back through 12 inch snow and negative degree temperatures at 5 in the morning. I lasted through that march because I had been there before. Thanks to this GREAAAAAAT BOOOOOK. If you read London you actually get tougher!!! One of my favorite short stories is entitled THe ODYSSEY. It tells the story of a great young indian who pursues the maiden of his heart across the globe. She was captured by a rich,large and white conqueror. The ending is spectacular because you understand how this new frontierland could never go back to it's way of life. In addition to detailing man at his toughest London has a rich understanding of man's compassion. Also unlike all those writers who live in New York and hit the coctail circuit, London actually lived the stuff he wrote about. He lived on ships, met trappers, drank a lot of whisky and actually froze his behind many a night in Alaska. This is not fiction he is writing about but are stories he lived through or gathered on many a cold night, while a fire burned with his frontier bretheren out in the last North American frontier.

When I got this book, I really didn't know what to expect, having only read 'To Build a Fire' about 12 years ago. Now I'm hooked on London. This collection is without a doubt an excellent starting point for anyone who is unfamiliar but curious about London's writings. His Klondike tales are his best, and by no means are they monotonous. He manages to extract many unique scenarios that the harsh conditions of the North can create. His other stories aren't as fascinating, but each still has an interesting twist to it. Whether it be prize fighting, blue collar labor, or warfare, London makes shrewd psychoogical insights that also illuminate his clearly socialist opinions. I can't say enough about London's abilities.

Man, alone against nature, at his most vulnerable, this is the dramatic story that every person can understand London is not a feel good writer, he tells the story in all its brutal truth.