The Road

The Road is an autobiographical memoir by Jack London, first published in 1907. It is London's account of his experiences as a hobo in the 1890s, during the worst economic depression the United States had experienced up to that time. Published in 1907, The Road is Jack London's reflection and commentary on hobo life at turn-of-the-century America. He based this book on his 1894 experiences as a hobo and convict for vagrancy. In this entertaining collection of tales and autobiographical essays, London relates the days he spent on the road. Each story details an aspect of the hobo's life - from catching a train to cadging a meal. The wealth of experiences and the necessity of having to lie for a living brought depth London's subsequent stories.