1876: John Griffith London born on January 12th in San Francisco, California.
1883: Family moves to Oakland, California. London drops out of school and takes on various jobs.
1893: Works as an oyster pirate and experiences life as a hobo, travelling across the United States by freight train.
1897: Inspired by the Klondike Gold Rush, London travels to Alaska. He experiences hardship and ultimately returns unsuccessful, but the experience provides rich material for his writing.
1899: Publishes his first story, "To the Man on Trail," in the Overland Monthly.
1900: Publishes his first book, "The Son of the Wolf."
1902: Marries Bessie Maddern, with whom he has two daughters.
1903: Publishes "The Call of the Wild," a novel about a dog's journey into the Alaskan wilderness, becoming an instant bestseller.
1904: Publishes "The Sea-Wolf," a novel about a brutal sea captain and a young writer.
1905: Publishes "White Fang," another novel featuring a wild animal's journey, this time a wolf.
1906: Experiences a successful lecturing tour.
1907: Publishes "The Iron Heel," a dystopian novel about a class-divided society.
1908: Publishes "Martin Eden," a semi-autobiographical novel about a working-class man who struggles to become a writer.
1910: Divorces Bessie Maddern and marries Charmian Kittredge.
1911: Publishes "The Adventure," a novel about a man's struggle to survive on a deserted island.
1913: Publishes "The Valley of the Moon," a novel about a couple who find success on a farm.
1916: Publishes "The Star Rover," a novel about a man who travels through time.
1916: London becomes increasingly involved in socialist politics. He travels to Russia and meets with Lenin.
1916: Experiences declining health and suffers from kidney failure.
1916: Dies on November 22nd at his ranch in Glen Ellen, California, at the age of 40.
Legacy:
* Jack London remains one of the most popular and influential American authors.
* His works continue to be read and enjoyed by millions of people around the world.
* London's novels, short stories, and essays have been adapted into numerous films, television shows, and other media.
* He is remembered for his adventurous spirit, his realistic portrayal of hardship and struggle, and his passionate advocacy for social justice.
This timeline highlights key events in London's life, but it doesn't encompass the full complexity of his journey. It's essential to remember that London's life and work were filled with contradictions and complexities, reflecting the turbulent era in which he lived.