Into The Wild (book) - Background

Background

Further information: Christopher McCandless

Chris McCandless grew up in suburban Annandale, Virginia. After graduating in 1990 with high grades from Emory University, McCandless ceased communicating with his family, gave away his college fund of $25,000 to Oxfam, and began traveling, later abandoning his car.

In April 1992, McCandless hitchhiked to the Stampede Trail in Alaska. There, McCandless headed down the snow-covered trail to begin an odyssey with only 10 pounds of rice, a .22 caliber rifle, several boxes of rifle rounds, a camera, and a small selection of reading material – including a field guide to the region's edible plants, Tana'ina Plantlore. His backpack was later found to contain his wallet, containing multiple forms of identification, his social security card, $300, and library cards. A map of the area was also found in his backpack. He declined an acquaintance's offer to buy him sturdier clothing and better supplies. After surviving more than 100 days, he is thought to have died on August 18, 1992.

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