Seldom has a book been the subject of more widespread discussion than The Jungle. It is the
dramatic expos of the Chicago meat-packing industry at the turn of the century which prompted an investigation by
Theodore Roosevelt, culminating in the pure-food legislation of 1906.

The Jungle is the story of Jurgis Rudkus, a Slav immigrant, who marries frail Ona Lukoszaite and seeks security
and happiness as a workman in the Chicago stockyards. Once there, he is abused by foremen, real-estate sharks filch
his meager savings, and at every turn he is plagued by the misfortunes arising from poverty, poor work conditions, and
disease. Finally, in accordance with Sinclair's own creed, Rudkus turns to Socialism as his way out.