The Red One

Told from the perspective of Bassett, an English scientist, Jack London’s The Red One follows an astonishing expedition in the Solomon Islands. Originally on a quest to collect butterflies, Bassett explores the jungle of Guadalcanal. However, the scientist finds much more than just butterflies. After being kidnapped by a cannibalistic tribe, Bassett is saved by a native woman, who leads him to her settlement. As he learns of the strange politics of this native group, Bassett discovers the being they worship. Referred to as “Red One,” the native’s god is a giant red sphere, said to originate from an extraterrestrial planet. The natives are devoted to the Red One, and perform human sacrifices to appease them. Much like the natives, Bassett soon becomes obsessed with the red sphere, risking his expedition. With cannibalism, bounty hunters, malaria, moral debates, unfamiliar terrain and a new god, each moment Basset spends in the jungle becomes closer to his last.

While the genre had existed long before its publication in 1918, Jack London’s The Red One is an early example of the golden era of science fiction, also known as the pulp era. With a setting unfamiliar to much of London’s American audience, The Red One allows readers to explore the Solomon Islands while also engaging with a strange, extraterrestrial being. Featuring articulate prose, London’s The Red One paints an imaginative and mystical portrait of the Solomon Islands. Reprinted twice in its publication year, The Red One enthralled 20th century readers. Now, just over one hundred years later, modern audiences can still enjoy the wonder of the setting and plot, while also identifying the undertones of racism and misogyny prevalent in the 20th century, providing insight on the culture and a new perspective on Jack London’s The Red One.

With a new, eye-catching cover design and a stylish and modern font, this edition of The Red One by Jack London accommodates contemporary audiences. These new features create a more accessible and luxurious reading experience, allowing modern readers to relish in the rich prose of Jack London without sacrificing modern style standards.

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