John Barleycorn

Jack London’s life was tragically short but packed with episode and adventure. In John Barleycorn he records his early hardships in Oakland, his experiences as oyster pirate, deep-sea sealer, hobo, Yukon gold miner, student, drop-out, and ultimately best-selling author. London describes his life as seen through the eyes of alcohol, personified in the eponymous character. With remarkable candor and insight, London describes the demons and gods he encounters through both friend and enemy, John Barleycorn.