Told from the perspective of Bassett, an English scientist, Jack
London's The Red One follows an astonishing expedition in the Solomon
Islands. Originally on a quest to collect butterflies, Bassett explores
the jungle of Guadalcanal. However, the scientist finds much more than
just butterflies. After being kidnapped by a cannibalistic tribe,
Bassett is saved by a native woman, who leads him to her settlement. As
he learns of the strange politics of this native group, Bassett
discovers the being they worship. Referred to as "Red One," the native's
god is a giant red sphere, said to originate from an extraterrestrial
planet. The natives are devoted to the Red One, and perform human
sacrifices to appease them. Much like the natives, Bassett soon becomes
obsessed with the red sphere, risking his expedition. With cannibalism,
bounty hunters, malaria, moral debates, unfamiliar terrain and a new
god, each moment Basset spends in the jungle becomes closer to his last.
While the genre had existed long before its publication in 1918, Jack
London's The Red One is an early example of the golden era of science
fiction, also known as the pulp era. With a setting unfamiliar to much
of London's American audience, The Red One allows readers to explore
the Solomon Islands while also engaging with a strange, extraterrestrial
being. Featuring articulate prose, London's The Red One paints an
imaginative and mystical portrait of the Solomon Islands. Reprinted
twice in its publication year, The Red One enthralled 20th century
readers. Now, just over one hundred years later, modern audiences can
still enjoy the wonder of the setting and plot, while also identifying
the undertones of racism and misogyny prevalent in the 20th century,
providing insight on the culture and a new perspective on Jack London's
The Red One.
With a new, eye-catching cover design and a stylish and modern font,
this edition of The Red One by Jack London accommodates contemporary
audiences. These new features create a more accessible and luxurious
reading experience, allowing modern readers to relish in the rich prose
of Jack London without sacrificing modern style standards.
