John Barleycorn (book by Jack London)

John Barleycorn by Jack London is a semi-autobiographical memoir that explores London's experiences with alcohol and its cultural significance. The book personifies alcohol as John Barleycorn, a symbol of barley-based spirits like whiskey and beer. London reflects on his struggles with drinking, its impact on his life, and societal attitudes towards alcohol. Through vivid storytelling, he examines addiction, temptation, and the complex relationship between humans and intoxicants. The work offers a candid, poetic meditation on alcohol's role in personal history and broader social contexts, blending personal narrative with cultural critique.