The People of the Abyss: With original illustrations – annotated

The People of the Abyss The People of the Abyss is a powerful social documentary written by Jack London and published in 1903. The book provides a harrowing account of the conditions experienced by the poor in the East End of London during the early 20th century. London’s firsthand observations and detailed descriptions offer a vivid and compassionate portrayal of urban poverty and social injustice. Overview Title: The People of the Abyss Author: Jack London Publication Date: 1903 Genre: Social documentary, Non-fiction Background In 1902, Jack London, an American author best known for his adventure novels, decided to immerse himself in the life of the impoverished in London’s East End. Inspired by the investigative journalism of the time and works like Jacob Riis’s “”How the Other Half Lives,”” London lived among the poor, adopting their lifestyle and disguising himself to blend in. His aim was to document the harsh realities faced by the urban poor, drawing attention to their plight and advocating for social reform. Structure and Content The People of the Abyss is divided into 27 chapters, each focusing on different aspects of life in the East End. London’s narrative is a mix of personal anecdotes, observations, and statistical data, painting a comprehensive picture of poverty. —- ISBN: 9798328364805