THE CALL OF THE WILD
First edition, first issue of one of the best-loved works of American literature, in scarce original dust jacket.
Near fine in like dust jacket.
Price: $15,000.00
THE CALL OF THE WILD
"Will stir the blood of every lover of a life in its closest relation to nature." – Brooklyn Daily Eagle
Jack London's animal fiction has captured the hearts and imaginations of generations of Americans. A socialist, animal activist, and eugenicist, London was a complex man who participated in unemployment protests and the Alaskan Gold Rush. The working dogs of Alaska clearly left an impression on him, leading to several pieces of canine literature, the most famous of which is CALL OF THE WILD.
Published in 1903, CALL OF THE WILD hit the shelves in the second year of Teddy Roosevelt's presidency; Americans were hungry for the outdoors and red-blooded adventure stories. With its narrative of civilization pitted against instinct, the title was enthusiastically received by critics, and was an immediate hit. Brooklyn Daily Eagle reviewers note that London "does not make the mistake of endowing his [dog] hero with superhuman qualities of intelligence and cunning," praising his handling of the plot as "strikingly novel."
A true classic, in remarkable condition.
Read more: The Brooklyn Daily Eagle, July 18, 1903; Blanck, Bibliography of American Literature (BAL), 11876.
The Object
New York and London: The Macmillan Company, 1903. 7.75'' x 5''. Original decorated green cloth binding with gilt lettering. Original pictorial dust jacket. Top edge gilt, other edges uncut. Illustrated endpapers of a dog team and mountain scene. Pictorial title page printed in black and blue. Full-page color frontispiece, 10 full-page color plates, and a number of full-page landscapes in printed blue; smaller blue and color illustrations throughout. "Set up, electrotyped, and published July, 1903" on copyright page (BAL). 232 pages with one leaf of ads to rear. With folded leaflet from Macmillan advertising this and other titles loosely laid in. Housed in custom cloth clamshell box. Dust jacket with a bit of chipping to spine head, not affecting title; two small spots of soil to front panel. Binding with mild edgewear, corners and spine ends lightly bumped; leaves with occasional tiny spots of soil. Vibrant.
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