Profile of the Day: Jack London

Do you remember reading White Fang? American author Jack London was born on this day in 1876 in San Francisco, California.

Image: Jack London / Library of Congress

London was born John Griffith Chaney to Flora Wellman and William Chaney. His biological father was never a part of his life and his mother would later marry John London, a veteran of the Civil War.

At the age of 21, London left for the Klondike to join the thousands of prospectors looking to strike gold. His time in the Klondike was harsh and the struggles he faced would inspire his work later on. London gained fame after publishing his most successful novels, The Call of the Wild and White Fang, both set in the Yukon during the Klondike Gold Rush. He was one of the most popular writers in his time and today, London’s novels are still enjoyed worldwide. In fact, since its first publication in 1903, The Call of the Wild has never been out of print.

Explore Jack London’s family tree on Geni and share how you’re related to the author.

View Jack London’s Geni Profile