“The eight stories which comprise this volume exhibit in quite varied fields the dramatic quality and virile powers of expression for which Mr. London is noted.” (Lit. D.) They include besides the title-story; Planchette, The shadow and the flash, Local color, and All Gold canyon.
“They are terse, virile to the verge of brutality, and they grip the mind. The language is fresh and convincing, save for one irritating phrase, ‘what of’, which Mr. London uses very unsuitably.”
+ – Acad. 71: 399. O. 20, ’06. 200w.
“Not nearly so good as they should be—as they might be, if Mr. London were in less of a hurry.”
+ – Ath. 1906, 2: 477. O. 20. 220w.
“Mr. London, when he errs, does so on the side of flesh; there are moments even in his most powerful work, when one is prompted to say, ‘That is a false note: human nature is nobler than that!’” Frederic Taber Cooper.
+ + – Bookm. 24: 247. N. ’06. 400w.
“But the quality of these stories indicates either a decline in power or disposition to live on the unearned increment of his former reputation, a shocking ethical fault in the apostle of the proletariat.”
– Ind. 61: 698. S. 20, ’06. 130w.