John Barleycorn or Alcoholic Memoirs

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By: Jack London 1876-1916

Jack London died at the age of forty. In this autobiographical work, London describes his life as seen through the eyes of John Barleycorn (alcohol). There is much controversy about the cause of his death just as there is about alcoholism and addiction. London’s brutally frank and honest analysis of his own struggles and bouts with alcohol was way before its time and more modern theories of addiction. With remarkable candor and insight, London describes the demons and gods he encountered through both friend and enemy, John Barleycorn.
(Summary by Peter Kelleher)

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Reviews
3of 5 stars Reviewer: squirrel99 - 1/5/2009 14:30
Subject: John Barleycorn - Jack London
An interesting theme to use when writing an autobiography. This classic text is read slowly and delibertly.
5of 5 stars Reviewer: alamedared - 1/6/2009 22:18
Subject: A Toast to Jack London & His Best (?) Friend John
This is totally a great listen! Wow! I didn't know London had such a rich past saturated with good ole memories of hours spent with JB. We live in the very areas (Alameda−Bay Area) where London was an oyster pirate and his descriptions amaze us. Gone are the oyster locations he sailed his boat to but Heinhold's (now called First and Last Chance) is very much still there−−−and probably has 2−3 regulars drinking whiskey at the tiny bar right now as I write this. Listening to this has been simply wonderful!

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