Jack london biography videos

Early Life and Family Background

John Griffith Chaney, later known as Jack London, was born on January 12, 1876, in San Francisco, California. His mother, Flora Wellman, was a music teacher and a practitioner of spiritualism.

Flora’s relationship with William Chaney, an astrologer and itinerant lawyer, ended acrimoniously before Jack was born, leaving Flora to raise Jack alone. Flora’s mental health suffered during this period, and she attempted suicide while pregnant with Jack.

Jack london biography videos

Shortly after his birth, Flora married John London, a part-time farmer and Civil War veteran, who provided Jack with a sense of stability.

Growing up in poverty, Jack experienced a transient and unstable childhood.

The family moved frequently within the Bay Area, which meant that Jack often had to switch schools and struggle to adapt to new environments. Despite these challenges, Jack’s love for reading became a constant in his life, offering him an escape from his harsh realities.

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