The Iron Heel by Jack London
The future setting of “The Iron Heel” depicts a society in which class difference has widened and a strong Oligarchy has emerged, maintaining power by terror. In the even further future, a document by the rebel Avis Everhard is found and examined by academic Anthony Meredith. The complex story by Jack London, which was first published in 1908, is a precursor to the dystopian novel. Its dystopian future turned out to be hauntingly prescient of the violence and fascism that characterized the first half of the 20th century.
The Iron Heel by Jack London
11 used from $5.22
Free shipping
Amazon.com
- Used Book in Good Condition
This book isn’t one to read for its literary merits, despite the fact that it is one of the first contemporary dystopian books. I concur that it can be extremely didactic and heavy-handed. What it excels at is providing a clear explanation of London’s political convictions and the Marxist theory that supports them. I was astonished to learn that the book was written before to World War I. When it comes to the opposing economic factors that sparked two world wars and are currently reemerging in conflict, London exhibits exceptional vision. He is well aware of how the labour movement has become tainted and has turned against the people it was created to serve.
He is aware of the brutality with which the oligarchy might respond when threatened, and his depictions of violence and repression are heartbreakingly common. Today, this book is more pertinent than ever.
The ruling class responds swiftly and brutally when workers band together internationally to oppose war, but they have a powerful adversary in the organized working class struggle. As part of its “divide and conquer” policy, the oligarchy elevates a subset of the working class and their representatives to the status of “labour aristocracy,” while escalating repression against the others.
By controlling the media and the judiciary, the oligarchy is able to further its war on the working class, as is evident when socialist publications are shut down. It also has a group of mercenaries known as the “black hundreds” who are prepared to carry out any wicked deeds required of them.
The oligarchy cannot crush all dissent, despite their appearance of power, and the harsh reality of life for the people under this system gives rise to an underground movement of revolutionaries who are prepared to die for their beliefs. They delve into the “iron heel’s” darkest corners and assassinate the rulers who are viewed as the working class adversaries. The socialist movement is also infiltrated by the elite, and there is considerable intrigue and betrayal. The oligarchy puts a halt to a workers’ insurrection at the end of the novel, but the revolutionaries in Chicago are led to believe that it is proceeding while the Iron Heel is ready and waiting to crush them.
