Jack London was a famous American writer. He was born on January 12, 1876,in San Francisco,
California. His family was very poor, and Jack had to leave school to make money. He worked hard in
many different jobs.     
     Later, Jack returned to school, but he didn't stay. He wrote, "Life and pocketbook (袖珍书) were both
too short."
     In 1897, he went to Alaska to find gold. Instead, he found ideas there for his books and stories. He
returned home and started to write. His writing were successful (成功的), and he became rich and famous
in his twenties.  
     Jack London was not a happy man, however. In poor health, he took his own life in 1916. He was
only 40 years old.