The story of The Call of the Wild by Jack London revolves around a domesticated dog named Buck. Buck lives a comfortable life in California until he is stolen from his home and sold into the brutal life of an Alaskan sled dog. Buck experiences the harsh realities of the wilderness, including the cruelty of humans and the struggle for survival.

As Buck adapts to his new life, he taps into his primal instincts and learns to survive in the harsh conditions of the North. He becomes a leader among the sled dogs, challenging the authority of other dogs and asserting his dominance. Buck's life takes a turn when he forms a strong bond with a prospector named John Thornton. Thornton treats Buck with kindness, and the dog reciprocates with unwavering loyalty. However, Buck continues to feel the "call of the wild," a primal urge drawing him back to the wilderness. Despite his deep bond with Thornton, Buck eventually answers the call of the wild and becomes a part of a wolf pack in the Yukon wilderness. The novel concludes with Buck fully embracing his wild nature.

The novel explores the innate primal instincts within both humans and animals when faced with the challenges of the wild. The law of the wilderness, where only the strongest survive, is a central theme in the story. Buck learns to adapt and thrive in a harsh environment. The novel portrays the complex and sometimes tumultuous relationship between humans and animals. Buck's loyalty to John Thornton is a significant aspect of the story. The concept of the "call of the wild" represents the primal, instinctual urge within animals to return to their natural state. Buck, despite his domestication, feels this call strongly.

Jack London (January 12, 1876 – November 22, 1916) was an American author, journalist, and social activist. He was a prolific writer known for his adventure novels, particularly those set in the Klondike Gold Rush and the Pacific Northwest. London's works often explore themes of survival in harsh environments, the struggle between humanity and nature and social issues. He was born John Griffith Chaney on January 12, 1876, in San Francisco, California. London grew up in poverty and had a challenging childhood but had a thirst for adventure from a young age. He worked in various jobs, as an oyster pirate, a seal hunter and a prospector during the Klondike Gold Rush.

London's writing career began with short stories and essays. His breakthrough came with the publication of The Call of the Wild in 1903, a novel about a domesticated dog's journey to the wild. Some of Jack London's most famous works include: The Call of the Wild (1903), White Fang (1906), The Sea-Wolf (1904), Martin Eden (1909), The Iron Heel (1908) and To Build a Fire (short story, 1908). 

London was a committed socialist and wrote extensively on social and economic issues. His novel The Iron Heel is a dystopian work that explores class struggle and the rise of an oligarchic ruling class. He travelled widely, and his experiences influenced his writing. Jack London passed away on November 22, 1916, at the age of 40. The cause of death was complications from uraemia, a result of kidney failure. His death was a result of a life of intense activities and health challenges. 

London's works continue to be widely read and studied. His adventurous tales, vivid descriptions of nature, and exploration of social issues have made him a lasting figure in American literature. The Jack London State Historic Park, located in Glen Ellen, California, preserves the author's home, known as the Wolf House, as well as his gravesite. Jack London's writing style, storytelling prowess and exploration of themes such as the wild, human nature and societal challenges have contributed to his enduring legacy in literature.