Martin Eden

Jack London · 1876–1916 · USA

Why it matters

A self-taught sailor claws his way from poverty to literary fame chasing a woman above his class, then discovers success has hollowed him out entirely. London's bitterest, most autobiographical novel follows raw individualism all the way to its bleakest possible conclusion.

At a glance

Straightforward narration, though embedded philosophical debates about socialism and individualism slow the plot.