The Game. By Jack London. First Edition, Second Issue. Macmillan Company. New York, 1905.

In his lifetime, Jack London was one of America’s most celebrated authors. He remains popular today for his many novels and short stories. He was a staunch advocate for workers’ rights and animal rights–qualities which appear in some of his most popular works, including The Iron Heel, The Call of the Wild, and White Fang. In this volume, London provides the narrative of Joe Fleming, a young boxer seeking to make a name for himself. It is a young-adult narrative focused on the main character. It contains fight scenes and accompanying illustrations. It is also a cautionary tale, one that ends with death and heartbreak. It was one of London’s earlier novels, published at his most prolific time.

This first edition, second issue is in very good condition. In the original cloth, very good with only rubbing to edges, soiling, and one chip to bottom edge of back board. Pictorial front board still bright. Text block about-fine, only former owner’s inscription to front pastedown and chipping to gilt on top edge. All plates present. Publisher stamp to copyright page, indicating second issue.

A very good first edition by Jack London.