"Jack London's adventure novels and stories made him one of America's most popular writers. Less known, however, is the role he played of social critic and spokesman for the oppressed. In this book, Philip S. Foner presents the career of the popular novelist with emphasis on his social ideas and activities. This biography is based on a careful analysis of London's novels, short stories, and essays, as well as his letters and interviews with him that appeared in the contemporary press. While pointing out London's contributions to the labor and Socialist movements of his day, it does not ignore the weaknesses and defects of his philosophy--in particular, his racist concepts. At the same time, it makes clear that these weaknesses did not totally destroy his effectiveness as a social critic. Jack London: American rebel draws an exciting and thought-provoking picture of the man and his times."--Page 4 of cover.