Reminiscing and New Information . . .

Mike Wilson as Jack London

Mike Wilson, Sonoma County writer, publisher, and historian, has studied Jack London for more than three decades. Mike was originally inspired by the earthy eloquence of London’s prose when he was a teen-ager. He first portrayed Jack in 1987 for a living history event at the Luther Burbank Home & Gardens in Santa Rosa, California. He was immediately requested by local educators to appear as Jack London for school assemblies and classroom presentations. Widespread word-of-mouth recommendations contributed to Mike’s decision to turn his “hobby” into a professional portrayal. He performed throughout Northern California for schoolchildren of all ages and at wide range of special events, and was the featured guest speaker for numerous clubs and business and social organizations, including the prestigious Century Club’s centennial celebration in San Francisco. He also conducted personal tours of Jack London State Historic Park in Glen Ellen, California.

Because of his acknowledged expertise about London’s life, Mike was consulted by Walt Disney Entertainment for their CD on Jack London. Many of his articles about Jack London have been published, and he has published the definitive book on Jack London’s adventures in the Klondike: Jack London’s Klondike Adventure. Click here for more information. His musical based on Jack’s life as an oyster pirate on the San Francisco Bay has just been published and is currently being read by several directors. Check our virtual Bookstore or Current Products Page for more information about the release of the first of these books.

Mike’s portrayal revealed much of the true character of this adventurous, vivacious man who is considered by many to be the best American author of this century. Mike’s tours and shows traced Jack’s life, from his birth in 1876 in San Francisco through Jack’s many adventures and experiences, his efforts to become a successful writer, his move to Sonoma County in 1905, and the true story of his death in 1916. It was a sensitive, in-depth portrayal filled with winsome anecdotes, personal glimpses, and insights into turn-of-the-century America. It was applauded and appreciated by educators, business groups, and audiences of all ages. It truly was the “ultimate experience with Jack London”.

“Mike brings Jack London to life.”

Are you and your family or your class coming to Sonoma County and desire an unusual, educational experience? A personal tour of the Park is a chance to experience Jack London’s historic, beloved 1,400 acre Beauty Ranch in Glen Ellen, California, and an opportunity to quickly learn a great deal more about the life and times of this fascinating and famous American author and adventurer. Tours can be specifically tailored for your group.

For more than twenty years, business organizations, tour groups, school groups, and entertainers enjoyed having “Jack” guide them through the Park for the day. Now, you can have Mike, with all his years of experience and expertise, guide you through the Park. It is a narrated, walking tour, and can be custom-tailored to fit your schedule and what you are most interested in learning. A fee schedule can be mailed or FAXed to you upon request. For more details about the tour, click here.

Literally hundreds of thousands of people enjoyed Mike’s portrayal of Jack London. Organizations and schools also hired “Jack” for fund-raising events, and fairs had him both perform and “rove” through the crowds.

If you wish to receive references, testimonials, a media package, or a listing of his appearances (festivals, fairs, events, and groups to which he has lectured), click here [or contact us for a more complete list!].

It was not an easy decision for Mike to “retire” after bringing Jack London to life for so many schools and organizations, especially those which annually came to the Park. However, although “Jack” has retired, Mike will still be available to speak to your class or organization, or personally guide you through Jack London State Historic Park. It will be different than having “Jack” be your guide or talk with you, but Mike is a vivacious and interesting speaker, and one of the leading experts on Jack London’s life and times, so you will still have a unique and exciting experience.