A semi-autobiographical novel, which Jack London wrote at the age of 33 at the height of his literary career. The story follows life of Marin Eden, an intelligent young man who becomes a writer through an intense and passionate pursuit of self-education in order to gain acceptance and the respectability of his society-girl sweetheart. Ruth spurns Eden when his writing is rejected initially and later tries to win his heart when he achieves fame. Was Eden's quest for bourgeois respectability hollow?