John Barleycorn or Alcoholic Memoirs by Jack London (1876 - 1916)John Barleycorn or Alcoholic Memoirs by Jack London (1876 - 1916)
LibriVox
Jack London's 'John Barleycorn or Alcoholic Memoirs' offers a raw look at his struggles with alcohol and addiction.
Episodes: 23
Jack London's Battle with Alcohol: A Journey Through John Barleycorn
Ever wondered how one of America's greatest writers grappled with alcohol? 'John Barleycorn or Alcoholic Memoirs' by Jack London offers a raw, unfiltered look at his personal struggles with addiction. This podcast, hosted by LibriVox, takes you on a journey through London's life, revealing his candid thoughts and battles with alcohol, embodied by the character John Barleycorn. London’s brutally honest analysis of his own addiction is both ahead of its time and eerily relevant today.
He delves into the allure and dangers of alcohol, the impact on his relationships, and the inner demons he faced. Each episode sheds light on different facets of his life, from his early encounters with alcohol to the profound effects it had on his career and personal life. Whether you're in recovery, supporting someone who is, or simply fascinated by London's literary legacy, this podcast offers valuable insights and a deeply personal look at the struggles and triumphs of addiction.
Latest Episodes
Chapter 17-18
Jack London recounts payday binges, broken resolutions and the grim fates of drinking companions, then shifts into a sober period of factory work, shyness at the YMCA and the sweetness of his first t…
Chapter 5-6
Jack London recalls his childhood love–hate relationship with saloons and alcohol, from free food and warmth to his first serious binge aboard the yacht Idler. The chapters trace how drink becomes li…
Chapter 4
Jack London recalls a childhood binge drinking ordeal at the age of seven, driven by fear, cultural prejudice and social pressure. The story shows how a community’s casual attitude to alcohol clashes…
Chapter 1-3
Jack London reflects on his so-called normal drinking, from a childhood beer bender to adult election-day arguments about suffrage and prohibition. Through the figure of John Barleycorn, he lays out …

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