Lost Face (1910) is a collection of seven short stories by American
writer Jack London. Drawing on his experiences as a gold prospector in
the Yukon, London explores the life of humanity at the edge of
civilization. In these stories of life and death, nature reigns supreme
over society, and even the strong are not guaranteed to survive. "Lost
Face" is the story of a Polish trapper and fur thief named Subienkow.
Captured by Native Americans, he watches in horror as a strong,
courageous Cossack is slowly killed through hours of brutal torture.
Recalling the hardships he faced in Poland, Russia, and Siberia,
Subienkow delves deep into his reservoir of experience to devise a plan
he hopes will allow him to escape such a terrible fate. Using an
interpreter, he convinces Makamuk, the chief, that he possesses a
powerful medicine, and offers it in exchange for his life. In "To Build
a Fire"--a frequently anthologized work of adventure fiction and one of
London's most beloved works--an explorer decides to trek into the forest
of the Yukon while a winter storm looms on the horizon. Ignoring all
signs of danger, as well as the warnings of an experienced elder, he
finds himself lost in the woods with nothing but a dog and a fire. With
no time to question his motives--he had set out to visit a friend's
cabin--he is forced to face nature head on, and on its own terms. Lost
Face, published at the height of London's career, compiles seven
stories from the master of adventure and naturalist fiction. With a
beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript, this
edition of Jack London's Lost Face is a classic of American literature
reimagined for modern readers.
