Martin Eden

Martin Eden is a young, uneducated sailor when he meets Ruth Morse, a woman from a wealthy family. Her world of books and refinement awakens in him a fierce desire to rise above his background. He sets out to educate himself and become a writer, convinced that love and hard work can overcome any obstacle.

What follows is a story of ambition, rejection, and the high cost of success. London draws on his own experiences to create a vivid portrait of a self-taught artist struggling against poverty, class prejudice, and the indifference of the literary marketplace. As Martin's mind expands, his ideals are tested, and the novel asks difficult questions about what it means to succeed and whether anyone can truly change who they are.

This book will appeal to readers interested in American literature, social class, and the psychology of ambition. It is also a moving study of loneliness and the search for meaning.

This edition includes the complete text of Martin Eden, a new introduction, a character guide, a summary of the plot, a discussion of major themes, a glossary of period and unusual words, and questions for reading groups.