A Piece of Steak

Jack London published “A Piece of Steak” in 1909 following a visit to Australia. He had sailed with his wife, Charmian, in their own vessel from Hawaii. In 1908, they both witnessed the Tommy Burns versus Jack Johnson heavyweight title fight in Sydney. It was one sided affair with the Canadian Burns being soundly defeated by the African American giant Johnson. Charmian had smuggled herself into the fight dressed as a man. Women in 1908 were not permitted to witness boxing.No doubt with the Burns v Johnson fight in the back of his mind, “A Piece of Steak” tells the story of Tom King, an ageing former champion, up against a rising star from New Zealand, Sandel. King is at the tail end of his career and living in poverty just keeping his head above water. He is also supporting a wife and children. He longs for a piece of steak before the bout but is unable to afford the meat. His opponent, by contrast, is younger and fitter but, obviously, lacking King’s experience in the ring.The fight itself is brutal. King takes a lot of punishment in the early rounds trying to both wear out his opponent and wait for the best time to strike. This comes in due course and he has Sandel teetering above the abyss of defeat. But he is unable to land the final killer blow. Age gets the better of him.I’ll say no more as to how the fight ends. Perhaps I have said too much already? Regardless, Jack London has written a timeless tale of experience against youth. While only a very short story, “A Piece of Steak” still packs a punch.