The People of the Abyss

About “The People of the Abyss”

Jack London wrote a non-fiction account of life in the East End of London in 1902. He spent months living among the poor, staying in workhouses or sleeping on the streets. His observations reflect the harsh conditions experienced by an estimated 500,000 poor people in London at the time. The book details the struggles of daily survival, including overcrowding, lack of food, and extreme poverty. London's work provides a firsthand look at the social issues of the era, based on his direct experiences in the East End.