Jack London 
Martin Eden 

Martin Eden is a semi-autobiographical tale from Jack London, following Martin Eden a destitute sailor with dreams of rising above poverty to become a best-selling author. Only by achieving financial and literary success can he hope to rise above his proletariat life and have a chance to marry Ruth Morse, the daughter of a wealthy San Francisco family. Through intense and passionate self-education similar to London’s own experience, he will do whatever it takes to succeed. This passionate, and heart breaking tale is a critique by London on individualism as well as an expression of frustration felt by authors to the cold indifference of the publishing industry. It is a beautiful story with a stunning conclusion and makes brilliant reading for any Jack London fans looking for an insight in to his own life.-