
The Iron Heel
by Jack London
'The Iron Heel' Summary
The novel is told via the framing device of a manuscript found centuries after the action takes place and footnotes by a scholar, Anthony Meredith, circa 2600 AD or 419 B.O.M. (the Brotherhood of Man). Jack London writes at two levels, sporadically having Meredith correcting the errors of Avis Everhard through his own future prism, while at the same time, exposing the often incomplete understanding of this distant future perspective. Meredith's introduction also reveals that the protagonist's efforts will fail, giving the work an air of foreordained tragedy.
The story proper begins with Avis Everhard, a daughter of a renowned physicist John Cunningham, and future wife of socialist Ernest Everhard. At first, Avis Everhard does not agree with Ernest in that the whole contemporary social system is based on exploitation of labour. She proceeds to investigate the conditions the workers live in and those terrible conditions make her change her mind and accept Ernest's worldview. Similarly, Bishop Morehouse does not initially believe in the horrors described by Ernest but then becomes convinced in their truth and is confined to a madhouse because of his new views.
The story covers the years 1912 through 1932 in which the Oligarchy (or "Iron Heel") arises in the United States. Japan conquers East Asia and creates its own empire, India gains independence, and Europe became socialist. Canada, Mexico, and Cuba form their own Oligarchies and are aligned with the U.S. (London remains silent as to events transpiring in the rest of the world.)
In North America, the Oligarchy maintains power for three centuries until the Revolution succeeds and ushers in the Brotherhood of Man. During the years of the novel, the First Revolt is described and preparations for the Second Revolt are discussed. From the perspective of Everhard, the imminent Second Revolt is sure to succeed. Given Meredith's frame story, the reader knows that Ernest Everhard's hopes will go unfulfilled until centuries after his death.
The Oligarchy is the largest monopoly of trusts (or robber barons) who manage to squeeze out the middle class by bankrupting most small to mid-sized business as well as reducing all farmers to effective serfdom. This Oligarchy maintains power through a "labor caste" and the Mercenaries. Laborers in essential industries like steel and rail are elevated and given decent wages, housing, and education. Indeed, the tragic turn in the novel (and Jack London's core warning to his contemporaries) is the treachery of these favored unions which break with the other unions and side with the Oligarchy. Further, a second, military caste is formed: the Mercenaries. The Mercenaries are officially the army of the US but are in fact in the employ of the Oligarchs.
Asgard is the name of a fictional wonder-city, a city constructed by the Oligarchy to be admired and appreciated as well as lived in. Thousands of proletarians live in terrible poverty there, and are used whenever a public work needs to be completed, such as the building of a levee or a canal.
Book Details
Author

Jack London
United States
John Griffith London was an American novelist, journalist, and social activist. A pioneer of commercial fiction and American magazines, he was one of the first American authors to become an internatio...
More on Jack LondonDownload eBooks
Listen/Download Audiobook
- Select Speed
Related books

Stories in the Dark by Barry Pain
When the lights go out, the shadows come alive... Stories in the Dark is a collection of 10 short stories by Barry Pain, a British author who was kno...

The Silver Bullet by Fergus Hume
In a small English village, a series of brutal murders have been committed by a mysterious figure known as the Silver Bullet Killer. Synopsis: The S...

The Arrow of Fire by Roy J. Snell
When fifteen-year-old Alex stumbles upon an ancient medallion buried deep within the embers of a long-forgotten fire, he unwittingly sets off a chain...

La Fée des Grèves by Paul Féval, père
Dans le roman envoûtant "La Fée des Grèves" de Paul Féval, père, une histoire captivante d'amour, d'intrigue et d'aventure se dévoile dans le décor de...

Le Loup blanc by Paul Féval, père
Un captivant récit d'aventure pour. Le Loup blanc est un roman palpitant écrit par Paul Féval, père, un auteur renommé du 19e siècle. Publié pour la p...

It Is Never Too Late to Mend by Charles Reade
This is a gripping novel that delves into the themes of redemption and justice. Written by the renowned English author in 1856, this compelling work s...

Joan Haste by H. Rider Haggard
It is an enthralling novel that takes young readers on a thrilling journey of love, bravery, and self-discovery. Which was published in 1895. Set in t...

Lords of the Stratosphere by Arthur J. Burks
In the daring world of aviation and exploration, where the boundaries of Earth and sky blur, "Lords of the Stratosphere" by Arthur J. Burks takes you...

Guy Garrick by Arthur B. Reeve
This is a gripping detective mystery that takes readers on a thrilling journey through the world of crime and investigation. Written by the esteemed a...

The Adventure of the Red Circle by Arthur Conan Doyle
In "The Adventure of the Red Circle" by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, a mysterious and menacing symbol, the red circle, sets the stage for yet another brill...
Reviews for The Iron Heel
No reviews posted or approved, yet...