This book review was written by Eugene Kernes
“Buck did not read the newspapers, or
he would have known that trouble was brewing, not alone for himself, but for
every tide-water dog, strong of muscle and with warm, long hair, from Puget
Sound to San Diego. Because men, groping
in the Arctic darkness, had found a yellow metal, and because steamship and
transportation companies were booming the find, thousands of men were rushing
into the Northland. These men wanted
dogs, and the dogs they wanted were heavy dogs, with strong muscles by which to
toil, and furry coats to protect them from the frost.” – Jack London, Chapter
1: Into the Primitive, Page 7
“Buck had accepted the rope with quiet dignity. To be sure, it was an unwonted performance: but he had learned to trust in men he knew, and to give them credit for a wisdom that outreached his own. But when the ends of the rope were placed in the stranger’s hands, he growled menacingly. He had merely intimated his displeasure, in his pride believing that to intimate was to command. But to his surprise the rope tightened around his neck, shutting off his breath. In quick rage he sprang at the man, who met him halfway, grappled him close by the throat, and with a deft twist threw him over on his back.” – Jack London, Chapter 1: Into the Primitive, Page 9
“He was beaten (he knew that); but he was not broken. He saw, once for all, that he stood no chance
against a man with a club. He had
learned the lesson, and in all his after life he never forgot it. That club was a revelation. It was his introduction to the reign of
primitive law, and he met the introduction halfway. The facts of life took on a fiercer aspect;
and while he faced that aspect uncowed, he faced it with all the latent cunning
of his nature aroused.” – Jack London, Chapter 1: Into the Primitive, Page 14
Is This An Overview?
After gold was found, people needed strong dogs for hauling
products, which had furry coats to protect themselves from the frost. Buck was such a dog. Buck was part of a loving family, and trusted
familiar people. Someone Buck trusted
traded Buck for money. Buck was proud
but forced into submission by the thieves.
Joined other dogs who were forced into submission. Buck was forced to be part of a sled dog
team, used for hauling. Buck had to
learn to overcome the cold, hunger, and exhaustion. Buck had to fight to stay alive. Buck developed unscrupulous behavior as a
method of survival. Developed the primal
instincts of Buck’s wolf ancestors. How
can Buck overcome the miserable situation?
Caveats?
The book can be difficult to read due to antediluvian
references and language. Language that
is representative of the era.
