Jack London was one of the most well known and loved authors of the early days of the 20th century — known literally around the world. He traveled the world looking for the characters and stories that would fill his books. But he called Sonoma Valley home — and it’s here he did much of his writing. He called it “The Beauty Ranch,” and you can still see his home — his office and the hills he road on horseback. It’s now a California State Historic Park.

“He was not a man you could lump into one category, he was many things.”

Lou Leal, Jack London State Park Historian

 

It’s here you can meet Lou Leal — the park historian. He has trained an army of volunteer docents on the history of Jack London. Lou is one of those people that just comes alive talking about his favorite subject — Jack London.

So Lou is one of those perfect Voices of Americana, who can take us back to another time, and another place…. and tell us stories about the master storyteller.  Long after his death, his books are still being published and republished.  And America’s fascination for Jack London lives on.

Historic Photos Courtesy The Huntington Library, San Marino, California