The Road

The Road Synopsis

The Road, first published in 1907, is an autobiography by Jack London. London explains about his experiences and adventures as one of the hoboes. He spent his years as a hobo in America and Canada in the years 1894-1895. London starts with a story showing what excellent liars hoboes could be. He presents his illustration as an apology to a woman in Salt Lake City that he convinced to provide him support. The next chapter explains some other skills of the hobo, the most important of which is the 'holding down' of the train. The rest of the book details different aspects of hobo life, including their diverse backgrounds. The last chapter is about the "bulls", the cops. London says throughout the book about how the American system is unfair to the hoboes.