Status
Available
Call number
Genres
Publication
Kbh. ; Kristiania, Martins Forlag, 1919.
Description
Classic Literature. Fiction. HTML: Jack London's Martin Eden was first published in 1909 and is the story of a young writer's quest for celebrity and love. Much loved by writers who identify with Martin's belief that when he posted a manuscript, 'there was no human editor at the other end, but a mere cunning arrangement of cogs that changed the manuscript from one envelope to another and stuck on the stamps,' that automatically returned it slapped with a rejection slip..
User reviews
LibraryThing member steve.clason
London's best, I think. I understand he is outre among serious (meaning academic) critics, but I still find his character development and the pacing of his narrative first-rate.
And besides, one of Tom Waits' best songs, "Shiver Me Timbers", has that line "Oh I know Martin Eden gonna be proud of me/
And besides, one of Tom Waits' best songs, "Shiver Me Timbers", has that line "Oh I know Martin Eden gonna be proud of me/
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Many before me have been called by the sea," so that sort of obligates us to read it once in a while. Show Less
LibraryThing member edwinbcn
Published in 1909, three years earlier than G.B Shaw's Pygmalion (1912), Martin Eden is a male Eliza Doolittle. Saving an upper-class gent in a brawl leads to Martin's introduction into this wealthy family, where he falls in love with the daughter, Ruth Morse. From his point of view, Martin
At just over 400 pages, Martin Eden by Jack London is a remarkably readable novel. It is semi-autobiographical, and puts an interesting angle of the reality of becoming a writer, in particular getting stories published in literary magazines. With class differences in the young American nation being less important than in Shaw's Great Britain, the Morse family supposedly nouveau riche, class plays a minor role in the novel.
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realizes that he must 'improve' himself to meet Ruth at an equal level: he sets out to learn proper English, mend his ways, and goes to school to learn all subjects. Bent on giving up his life as a sailor, he tries to change jobs, and hits on the idea that a career in writing is the best way to go to make a fortune, which would put him on an equal footing with Ruth. Years of toil and rejection follow, but Martin perseveres. In the meantime, however, Ruth's parents steer her away from an unthinkable marriage with Martin Eden, who, in their eyes, will always remain an unworthy choice. Losing Ruth, and achieving fame and riches through the (same) stories which were rejected so many times before, Martin Eden becomes disillusioned. He writes no new stories, and in the end goes back to sea, where he came from.At just over 400 pages, Martin Eden by Jack London is a remarkably readable novel. It is semi-autobiographical, and puts an interesting angle of the reality of becoming a writer, in particular getting stories published in literary magazines. With class differences in the young American nation being less important than in Shaw's Great Britain, the Morse family supposedly nouveau riche, class plays a minor role in the novel.
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LibraryThing member madepercy
If Martin Eden is indeed autobiographical, it demonstrates the extraordinarily perceptive intellect and much-tortured soul of Jack London. The book is riveting. At first, somewhat banal in its celebration of the typical hard man, then academic in its treatment of the philosophers of its time, then
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ending in a way that Hemingway would have been proud. London's own story of intellect and physical rigour are captured in the work. While White Fang and Call of the Wild may have been his more popular works, and I found The Assassination Bureau fascinating, here London is at his best. Much like George Bernard Shaw's Back to Methuselah, which Shaw considered to be his masterpiece, I cannot help but think that this was London's masterpiece, although the purchasing public may not have agreed. Show Less
LibraryThing member RussellBittner
Given that Martin Eden is the most autobiographical work Jack London ever wrote (this, according to Andrew Sinclair, who wrote the Intro), we have to believe that the author actually lived most of what he writes. If so, the work should be mandatory reading for anyone contemplating a writing career
If any of us should still believe that ‘the road less traveled’ is a glorious one, this work will cure him or her of that illusion. But for an occasional fluke (which aspiring writers and the publishing world alike all feed upon), the writer’s life – if Jack London’s is a fair example, and I believe it is – is one of poverty and debilitation – if not downright humiliation. Oh, and did I mention hunger?
But no matter. Go and feast on the ideal if you insist. Just know that the ideal contains damned few calories.
At one point, Martin Eden (the eponymous principal character of this novel) actually does achieve fame and fortune. Is this, then, a kind of ‘Cinderella story?’ Without giving away the actual conclusion of London’s novel, I’ll allow you a glimpse via some of his principal character’s ruminations: “And always was Martin’s maddening and unuttered demand: Why didn’t you feed me then? It was work performed. “The Ring of Bells” and “The Peri and the Pearl” (two of the fictional writer’s short stories) are not changed one iota. They were just as artistic, just as worthwhile, then as now. But you are not feeding me for their sake, nor for the sake of anything else I have written. You’re feeding me because it is the style of feeding just now, because the whole mob is crazy with the idea of feeding Martin Eden” (p. 450).
Antiquated if not downright flawed though it and he may be, I suspect that Martin Eden (the novel) and Martin Eden (the novel’s protagonist) are – just as is London’s superb short story, “To Build a Fire” – memories to last a lifetime. In this age of rampant self-publication and an unbridled quest after the glory of artistic recognition – but in which so few are willing to do the work London obviously did to achieve recognition for his work – this novel should stand as both Bible and roadmap. Or as Dante once wrote over the gates of Hell, “Abandon all hope, ye who enter here.”
RRB
Brooklyn, NY, U.S.A.
07/17/14
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at the cost of a day-job.If any of us should still believe that ‘the road less traveled’ is a glorious one, this work will cure him or her of that illusion. But for an occasional fluke (which aspiring writers and the publishing world alike all feed upon), the writer’s life – if Jack London’s is a fair example, and I believe it is – is one of poverty and debilitation – if not downright humiliation. Oh, and did I mention hunger?
But no matter. Go and feast on the ideal if you insist. Just know that the ideal contains damned few calories.
At one point, Martin Eden (the eponymous principal character of this novel) actually does achieve fame and fortune. Is this, then, a kind of ‘Cinderella story?’ Without giving away the actual conclusion of London’s novel, I’ll allow you a glimpse via some of his principal character’s ruminations: “And always was Martin’s maddening and unuttered demand: Why didn’t you feed me then? It was work performed. “The Ring of Bells” and “The Peri and the Pearl” (two of the fictional writer’s short stories) are not changed one iota. They were just as artistic, just as worthwhile, then as now. But you are not feeding me for their sake, nor for the sake of anything else I have written. You’re feeding me because it is the style of feeding just now, because the whole mob is crazy with the idea of feeding Martin Eden” (p. 450).
Antiquated if not downright flawed though it and he may be, I suspect that Martin Eden (the novel) and Martin Eden (the novel’s protagonist) are – just as is London’s superb short story, “To Build a Fire” – memories to last a lifetime. In this age of rampant self-publication and an unbridled quest after the glory of artistic recognition – but in which so few are willing to do the work London obviously did to achieve recognition for his work – this novel should stand as both Bible and roadmap. Or as Dante once wrote over the gates of Hell, “Abandon all hope, ye who enter here.”
RRB
Brooklyn, NY, U.S.A.
07/17/14
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LibraryThing member jd234512
This is the first book I have read by Jack London, which may or may not be a good thing. Because this is semi-autobiographical, it gave me a good introduction to him, but also left me wondering what his other books are like. Needless to say, if the writing is similar to this, I can not wait to take
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on his other books. He has a wonderful way with words and seems to have a consciousness of the plights of different types of people and characterizes wonderfully, while sympathizing more with the "lesser" class. Absolutely wonderful. Show Less
LibraryThing member branful
sounds slightly depressed, a little removed from his real self. but as a portrait of a young man in the making, it feels real and sincere. almost one of a kind for an american.
LibraryThing member JBreedlove
Jack London writes well. This semi-autobiographical tale set in turn of the century Bay Area in California relates the struggles, triumphs and ultimate surrender of Martin Eden. The book was an easy read and written so well that it kept my interest throughout. I was getting tired of his refusals
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but finally he wins out. But after all that struggle he becomes empty. I was surprised by the ending. His death throes were, once again, written well. Show Less
LibraryThing member Schmerguls
1070 Martin Eden, by Jack London (read 1 Sep 1970) I was not impressed by this book. Crude writing, I thought. [SPOILER] The story of a writer who is a boorish egotist, starves, becomes successful, and then commits suicide. Surely London's other stuff is not this contrived? I have only read The
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Call of the Wild, and that was when I was a boy. The date I read it was Nov 10, 1942--I was then 14. Show Less
LibraryThing member Soska
In my opinion one develops a taste for London when young - ready for an Adventure... But he can be appreciated at any age and read many times, each time offering something new. And so Martin Eden, after the initial head spin at - say - 13, caused by the hero's valiant struggle, his rise and
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(inevitable) fall, becomes "simply" a very good read. No trivia, just Life. Show Less
LibraryThing member TanyaTomato
I was so excited for him the whole time. Why did it have to end that way? I am so disappointed.
LibraryThing member montano
A semi-autobiographical story about a young man from the lower class in San Fransciso who meets an upper middle class girl. The meeting opens his eyes to a whole new world of luxury and sophistication. His infatuation with the beautiful girl drives him to improve himself and he turns to writing as
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a means of work and expression. A seemingly simple tale of rags-to-riches but with dark overtones. Show Less
LibraryThing member dawsong
London, Jack
Martin Eden
Fiction
Jack London, known predominantly as the author of The Call of the Wild and the short story "To Build a Fire," is often pigeonholed for his “dog” and “man-against-nature” books. But he actually wrote on other subjects, including a memoir of his struggles with
Recommended February 2009
Martin Eden
Fiction
Jack London, known predominantly as the author of The Call of the Wild and the short story "To Build a Fire," is often pigeonholed for his “dog” and “man-against-nature” books. But he actually wrote on other subjects, including a memoir of his struggles with
Show More
alcoholism, John Barleycorn. Considered too shocking to be published in his day, today it would rest on a crowded shelf. Martin Eden is not about dogs or nature but is an adventure story of another kind. Imbued with philosophy and the difficulties faced by anyone who tries to circumvent society’s predilection for squelching individualism and nurturance of mediocrity, the peril of our hero, while not physical, is real. Attempting to become worthy of a woman far above his class, autodidact extraordinaire Martin Eden manages to outstrip all his contemporaries only to find that it is, indeed, lonely at the top. Throughout Martin’s quest, London gives glowing examples of public libraries and librarians and the self-empowerment they facilitate. I felt as if I’d been thanked. Thank you, Jack.Recommended February 2009
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LibraryThing member leslie.98
As much as I liked London's more famous White Fang and The Call of the Wild, this novel is even better. It is quite different in subject from most of his work so those approaching it thinking to read an adventure tale might be disappointed.
Martin Eden is a young working man who, inspired by love
London's characterizations in this novel are marvellous - not just Martin & Ruth but also relatively minor characters such as Martin's brother-in-law Higganbotham, a temporary colleague in laundry work Joe & Martin's landlady Maria are so well drawn.
Martin Eden is a young working man who, inspired by love
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for an upper middle-class girl, discovers he has the intellect, talent and sensibility to be an author. Eden struggles to better himself & to get published (many believe this character is semi-autobiographical at the very least, though there are some important differences between London & Eden's philosophical outlooks).London's characterizations in this novel are marvellous - not just Martin & Ruth but also relatively minor characters such as Martin's brother-in-law Higganbotham, a temporary colleague in laundry work Joe & Martin's landlady Maria are so well drawn.
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LibraryThing member coffyman
Written in 1909, it really is a fascinating book. There are some parts that are kind of boring and seemingly irrelevant, and there are a lot of fancy, old-fashioned words that I had to use my Kindles ability to look up the meanings, but overall I found it interesting and compelling.
LibraryThing member reader1009
Adult fiction. Like Jack's other books, this one is largely based on the authors own experiences; this one recounts his frustrations as an author trying to get published. I read this just before a visit to his farm (now a historic landmark) and because I wanted to learn more about his life (apart
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from the sea voyages/adventuring), I found it interesting. Show Less
LibraryThing member Chris.Wolak
A great story. So much to ponder before I attempt to write about it.
LibraryThing member brakketh
The struggle to achieve success and then disillusionment with the accomplishment of a young writer. The character of Eden is inhuman in many ways with the work ethic etc. I assume this was intentional to demonstrate the inhuman struggles of writers.
LibraryThing member Kristelh
Reason Read: TBR takedown, Reading 1001. 1909 novel by Jack London. Eden explores socialism but refers to it as "slave morality" and Nietzschean individualism. So one of the main themes is social class, individualism versus socialism. Another is machinery. This is not my favorite book by London. I
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did not like how self absorbed the main character was. He was always comparing himself as better, smarter than others. In the end, Eden doesn't fit in with anyone anymore. He is disconnected from others and there is no joy in living. Show Less
Subjects
Awards
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
1909
Physical description
320 p.; 19.2 cm
Local notes
Omslag: Indbundet
Indskannet omslag - N650U - 150 dpi
Oversat fra engelsk "Martin Eden" af Aslaug Mikkelsen
Gutenberg, bind 1056
Bennybog
Indskannet omslag - N650U - 150 dpi
Oversat fra engelsk "Martin Eden" af Aslaug Mikkelsen
Gutenberg, bind 1056
Bennybog
Other editions
Martin Eden, bind 2 by Jack London (Hardcover)
Similar in this library
Pages
320
DDC/MDS
| 813.52 |