John Barleycorn

John Barleycorn is an autobiographical novel by Jack London dealing with his enjoyment of drinking and struggles with alcoholism. It was published in 1913. The title is taken from the British folksong "John Barleycorn." In this memoir, there are the themes of masculinity and male friendship. London discusses various life experiences he has had with alcohol, and at widely different stages in his life. Key stages are his late teen years when he earned money as a sailor and later in life when he was a wealthy, successful writer. Alcoholic beverages play a big role in facilitating the themes listed above. The book is about the social facilitiation of alcohol, but is also a cautionary tale about the addictive powers of alcohol and its deleterious effects on health.