The Call of the Wild & White Fang

With an Introduction by Susan Ward. St. Lawrence University

These two stories vividly describe the brutal and vigorous life of the Far North. Call of the Wild describes the extraordinary adventures of a dog who escapes civilisation to lead a wolf pack, whereas White Fang is a moving account of a ferocious wolf who is tamed as he learns to love and trust his master. At one level these stories are "ripping yarns",at another,London utilises ideas of some of the most influencial scientific and socialist thinkers of his day.He related Charles Darwin`s theories of "the survival of the fittest",the theme of instinct and the laws of social behaviour to his work.However,it is London`s ability to relate his stories to universals that ultimately ensure their timeless appeal.