• The Call of the Wild

  • By: Jack London
  • Narrated by: Frank Muller
  • Length: 3 hrs and 29 mins
  • 4.4 out of 5 stars (275 ratings)

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The Call of the Wild  By  cover art

The Call of the Wild

By: Jack London
Narrated by: Frank Muller
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Publisher's summary

In 1897 Buck, a shepherd dog, is kidnapped and shipped to the Klondike gold fields. Pressed into service as a sled dog, Buck is abused by humans and tormented by the other dogs - until he learns "the law of club and fang." Along with the skills Buck needs to survive - how to keep warm in the frozen land, the ability to scent dangerous weather changes, and how to fight ferociously - he learns the song of the wolves and the powerful attraction it exerts. This eloquent tale of adventure evokes with stirring realism the Alaskan Gold Rush, and the dangers and beauties of that northern wilderness.

Public Domain (P)1980 Recorded Books, Inc

Critic reviews

"Frank Muller commands attention from his first words. Muller tells the story of Buck, a St. Bernard/shepherd dog who is kidnapped from his cozy domestic life and sent to the frozen North. As Buck is misused by humans and ferociously attacked by other dogs, Muller twists his voice to show Buck's contempt and rage. His performance is painfully real as Buck lashes out against starvation, thirst, and anyone who falls afoul of him. Thanks to Muller's artistry, Buck's experiences are spellbinding.... Listeners will believe they can hear Buck howl and sing 'the song of the wolves.'" (AudioFile magazine)

"Muller reads with expression and variety that match the varying moods, feelings, and attitudes of all the characters, dogs included." (Kliatt Magazine)
"It gave us the sense of the cold, the snow, and most of all, the primeval feelings that London described." (The New Yorker)

What listeners say about The Call of the Wild

Average customer ratings
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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

A Classic

Everything about this audiobook is a classic. Don't hesitate to listen.

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7 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    out of 5 stars

Still a great book

This is still a great book.

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Great story & narration, sound quality varied.

What made the experience of listening to The Call of the Wild the most enjoyable?

Great story.

What did you like best about this story?

The stripped down essence of pain and physical hardship existing alongside love and pride in the same existence. Buck doesn't just fantasize about what was or could be, but embraces what is.

Which character – as performed by Frank Muller – was your favorite?

John Thornton

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No

Any additional comments?

This recording needs to be cleaned up if not redone.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    1 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

I love this book but

This audiobook sounds like it was recorded in a phone booth using a talkboy (like the one on Home Alone 2) from twenty yards away. It doesn’t do justice to this fantastic book.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Sadly wonderful

This book is not what I expected. What happens is almost all terrible, but there's something beautiful woven within. Very nicely done. I'm gonna have to see that new movie now.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Ever Great

No one alive or dead has the skill of Jack London. Mueller's reading proves it!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Masterful storytelling!

Though a dated version, it is indeed superb! Muller's narration was gripping and never waivered! Excellent!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Frank muller is the way to go

Best possible narrator for this book. Frank muller does a stunningly fantastic job. There are many options for the narrator of this book but all of them pale in comparison to frank

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Never gets old

This is one of my favorite books, and Frank Muller's reading of is unsurpassed. I've listened to it many times and it never gets old.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Rooting for Buck

Would you consider the audio edition of The Call of the Wild to be better than the print version?

Better! The feelings and emotions of the story teller help get you involved in the story.

What other book might you compare The Call of the Wild to and why?

The Grapes of Wrath. I thought Henry Fonda was talking to me and me only.

Which character – as performed by Frank Muller – was your favorite?

Buck... How he became leader of the pack and survived was fun to see happen in my mind.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Survivalist in the dog world.

Any additional comments?

Makes my three hour road trips go by too fast. I want to drive around the block so I can end the chapter.

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