Jack London: Man of the People

"Jack London was a world renowned communist " stated Councilman John Gaines of the El Segundo's City Council. as he rejected naming a library meeting room after the author. Maybe that's all you can expect after a town named for Standard Oil's second oil refinery in California. Perhaps the elected officials of El Segundo could read up a little on how Jack London is perceived by posterity. (and also, perhaps the difference between socialism and communism).

Here's how Jack London is described by scholars:

Throughout his life, Jack London held an unshakable faith in mankind. He lived according to this faith, and his writing reflected it. In his socialist convictions, in his compassionate study of the poor in the East End of London, England, and in his hobo days tramping across America, London believed in social justice and in the need to better the human condition. In his writings, as well, he explored the human condition and the need for people to embrace, rather than deny, their humanity.

Some more thoughtful views of Jack London:
On OCLC's top 1000 Call of the Wild is #73; White Fang is #200; Sea Wolf is #313.
The Berkeley Digital Library has a comprehensive Jack London online site. The Jack London Society publishes The Call and holds biennial symposia on London's life and work. The world of Jack London is nurtured by the active Jack London Foundation .The Jack London State Historical Park north of Sonoma includes a museum and commemorates London's home. Sonoma State University gives annual awards for educational excellence called The Jack London Awards.

The Huntington Library has the largest London collection in the world with over 60,000 items.
Utah State University has a Jack London Collection.