Classics · Literary · Adventure
Martin Eden
Martin Eden, a poor young sailor, falls for a middle-class woman and sets out to educate himself and become a writer. As success arrives, it brings him far less than he had imagined.
Facts last checked 2026-10-17
- First published
- 1909
- Pace
- Medium
- Length
- Long
- Pages
- 480
- Format
- Standalone
Read this if you like semi-autobiographical novels about ambition, class and self-education.
Skip this if you need an uplifting ending or are sensitive to depictions of despair.
The feel
Content warnings
Quick answers about Martin Eden
- What is Martin Eden about?
- Martin Eden, a poor young sailor, falls for a middle-class woman and sets out to educate himself and become a writer. As success arrives, it brings him far less than he had imagined.
- Who should read Martin Eden?
- Read it if you like semi-autobiographical novels about ambition, class and self-education. Skip it if you need an uplifting ending or are sensitive to depictions of despair.
- How long and how fast is Martin Eden?
- It is a medium-paced, long read of about 480 pages, first published in 1909.
- Does Martin Eden have content warnings?
- Content we flag: Suicide, Mental illness.
- Can I borrow Martin Eden for free?
- Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends Martin Eden; the borrow button above searches it for you.
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Where to get it
| Store | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Borrow free | ||
| Libby / OverDrive | Free with a library card | Borrow free with Libby from Libby / OverDrive |
| Print, new | ||
| Bookshop.org | Check price | Buy new from Bookshop.org |
| Amazon | Check price | Buy new from Amazon |
| Ebook | ||
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| Audiobook | ||
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| Audible | Check price | Buy audiobook from Audible |
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