Jack London and the Klondike Gold Rush

The Origin Story of an American Legend

Swept up in the Gold Rush of 1897, young Jack London headed north to strike it rich in the Klondike and discovered something more precious than gold―the seeds of the stories that would flower into his classic novels The Call of the Wild and White Fang, and timeless short stories such as “To Build A Fire.” This gripping tale follows London as he treks up the ruthless Chilkoot Trail, braves the lethal Whitehorse Rapids, survives a bad case of scurvy, and conquers many more dangers of the Yukon during his quest for gold.

In this thoroughly riveting real-life adventure story, Lourie recounts in visceral detail the frequently treacherous, relentlessly grueling 500-mile traverse along the ruthless Chilkoot Trail and Whitehorse Rapids to the Klondike gold mines…A gripping and harrowing true adventure story and a penetrating look into the formative experiences of a writer…

Kirkus

Lourie’s captivating tale of the grueling experiences behind London’s crystalline prose testifies to his endurance. Minor’s windswept spot illustrations augment archival and modern photos and other supplemental material.

Publisher's Weekly

Buckle up for a great adventure!…What I love about this tale is the immediacy of the author’s language…Lourie launches the reader into harrowing tales of swollen-river boat rides, frigid polar nights, treks across storm-ravaged lakes and face-to-face encounters with wild timber wolves…this gripping tale is a true page turner. A highly recommended engrossing read for middle and high school students.

Amazon Reviewer

“Well researched. Excellent adventure! A great introduction for young readers to Jack London’s Klondike tales. Especially good companion book for The Call of the Wild and White Fang. Don’t miss this one!”

—Amazon Reviewer

Amazon Reviewer

Learn what inspired one of America's greatest authors.

Follow along with Lourie as he traces Jack London's footsteps in the modern day.

See the Yukon as it is now and as it was then.

Take An Adventure

The powerful nonfiction tale of how one classic writer drew upon a rugged life of adventure to create works of literature, punctuated by stunning black-and-white art by Wendell Minor and beautiful photographs. Suitable for middle grade and up!

“He was mastered by the sheer surging of life, the tidal wave of being, the perfect joy of each separate muscle, joint, and sinew in that it was everything that was not death, that it was aglow and rampant, expressing itself in movement, flying exultantly under the stars.”

—Jack London

Peter Lourie, Adventure Writer.

Writer, Explorer, and Teacher, Peter Lourie spends his life going on wild expeditions, writing their stories, and then inspiring people to venture out into the world and write their own.

Peter is currently scheduling interviews, speaking engagements, and classroom visits. Please email him for more details.

Peter is currently scheduling speaking engagements, classroom visits, and interviews. Please email him for more details.

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