'The Iron Heel' is a dystopian novel by Jack London, thought by some to be one of the earliest examples in the genre. Set in the United States, it deals with possible future changes in social and political terms. It is a prophetic tale, warning against the horrors of authoritarian power, awaiting classics like '1984' and 'Brave New World'. It is also a story of love, sacrifice, and downfall. The exploration of the class system with all its inequalities and inadequacies turn the novel into a rather political read, perfect for fans of social science fiction and dystopian literature in general. Jack London (1876-1916) was an American writer and social activist. He grew up in the working class, but became a worldwide celebrity and one of the highest paid authors of his time. He wrote several novels, which are considered classics today, among these 'Call of the Wild', 'Sea Wolf' and 'White Fang'.