#Classic The Iron Heel

“Crushing Wealth”

• I could not believe my eyes when I saw
• The New Yorker’s over this week! (28 October)
• I just finished  “The Iron Heel” which …warns us of the
• …crushing wealth of Oligarchs.
• It appears the New Yorker feels they need to
• to bring this to our attention…just like Jack London!

by Jack London

Finished: 26.10.2024
Genre: Dystopian novel  (pg 288)
Rating: B
#SciFiMonth 2024 

• Note: The manuscript written by Avis (Ernest’ wife) was found in 2368 AD
• The book opens with this mauscript being reviewed by an editor in 2600 AD
• Theme: Socialism vs Capitalism

Good News: I learned more about the working class, business and socialism in this book than those by George Orwell! Orwell’s strong point was describing the dismal living/working conditions of the oppressed and poor: Road to Wigan Pier . Jack London’s strong point is his Socratic analysis. There is a shared dialogue between teacher (Ernest)and students (small business owners, the elders of the Church, citizens in general). The teacher leads by posing thought-provoking questions. “Students” actively engage by asking questions of their own. The reader learns so much!

Bad News: I’ve avoided reading Jack London because I thought he only wrote about men and dogs in the wilderness! My loss… London was a very insightful writer.

Good News: Jack London’s voice  and his warning is powerful in the character of  Ernest.  The ideas this J. London hightlighted in 1908 are even MORE relevant today! The book is so entertaining because London is a wordsmith!  While speaking to owners of small businesses he explains:  “Your teeth are pulled, gentlemen. Your claws are trimmed,,,toothless and clawless, you will be as harmless as any army of clams.”

Good News: I was stunned…..this reminded me of Nalvany: Avis commenting about Ernest:  “…and I remembered His end upon the cross, I thought of Ernest.  Was he destintned  for a cross?  (pg 30). I cannot emphasize enough how chilling a read this book is.  Mr Wickson (stockholder) says in ch 5: “What if you do get a majority  on election day? …Suppose we refuse to turn the government over to you after you have captured it at the ballot-box?”  SOUND FAMILAR??

Personal: The story covers the years 1912 through 1932 in which the Oligarchy (or “Iron Heel”) arises in the United States. I  did not realize that Jack London was so politically motivated. His book illustrates capitalism as undemocratic and is destructive of man’s rights. The title is on page 73: “…we will be crushed under the iron heel of a despotism.” Think of this and look at the cover of the New Yorker  dd. 28 October. It feels like this book  is not dystopian…anymore!!

Reading time: 7 hr
#ThisBookIsAGem