Finding aid for the Jack London papaers
0187
Finding aid prepared by Lisa Ebiner Gavit, Sue Luftschein
USC Libraries Special Collections
Doheny Memorial Library 206
3550 Trousdale Parkway
Los Angeles, California, 90089-0189
213-740-5900
specol@usc.edu
2014 May
Title: Jack London papers
Collection number: 0187
Contributing Institution:
USC Libraries Special Collections
Language of Material:
English
Physical Description:
2.17 Linear feet
5 boxes
Date (inclusive): 1876-1966
Abstract: The Jack London papers consists of correspondence, typescripts and manuscripts, financial records, pamphlets, photographs,
and clippings created and collected by American author Jack London. Also included is a bibliographic card file created for
a course on bibliography and research at USC in 1942.
creator:
London, Charmian
creator:
London, Jack, 1876-1916
Scope and Content
The Jack London papers consists of correspondence, typescripts and manuscripts, financial records, pamphlets, photographs,
and clippings created and collected by American author Jack London. Also included is a bibliographic card file created for
a course on bibliography and research at USC in 1942.
Conditions Governing Use
All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the Manuscripts Librarian.
Permission for publication is given on behalf of Special Collections as the owner of the physical items and is not intended
to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained.
Preferred Citation
[Box/folder# or item name], Jack London papers, Collection no. 0187, Special Collections, USC Libraries, University of Southern
California
Conditions Governing Access
Advance notice required for access.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Chambers, Robert W., (Robert William), 1865-1933 -- Correspondence
Churchill, Winston, 1871-1947 -- Correspondence
Johnson, Owen, 1878-1952 -- Correspondence
London String Quartet. -- Archives
London, Jack, 1876-1916 -- Archives
London, Jack, 1876-1916 -- Bibliography
London, Jack, 1876-1916 -- Correspondence
Osbourne, Lloyd, 1868-1947 -- Correspondence
Shaw, Bernard, 1856-1950 -- Correspondence
Sinclair, Upton, 1878-1968 -- Correspondence
Taylor, Harvey -- Correspondence
Wells, H.G., (Herbert George), 1866-1946 -- Correspondence
Authors, American--20th century--Archival resources
Clippings
Ephemera
Letters
Playbills
Short stories
Typescripts
Correspondence
Scope and Content
Correspondences to, from, and about London
Box 1, Folder 1
Jack London to Houghton, Mifflin & Co.
1900 January 31
General Physical Description note: 4 pages; envelope included.
Scope and Contents note
Jack London offers the additional biographical information that Houghton, Mifflin & Co. had requested a few days earlier.
Among the details that London recounts are his early life in California, his longest voyage at sea, and the death of his father.
Above all, London emphasizes his love for reading, writing, and studying.
Box 1, Folder 2
Jack London to Hamlin Garland
1904 December 14
General Physical Description note: 1 page; handwritten.
Scope and Content
This is a short letter to Hamlin Garland in which Jack London asks how he can serve on the committee (it is unclear as to
which committee he is referring) since he can't make the dinner.
Box 1, Folder 3
Jack London to Mr. Holt
1905 February 21
General Physical Description note: 2 pages; handwritten.
Scope and Content
In this letter, Jack London asks Mr. Holt to fill him in on the situation surrounding an article of London's which Holt published
and which "sent National Civic Federation into fits."
Box 1, Folder 4
Jack London to the Editor of Seattle Post-Intelligencer
1906 August 2
General Physical Description note: 1 page
Scope and Content
Jack London refutes the accusation made by the Editor about London's story, "The Unexpected," as having no basis in actual
events. As proof, London quotes directly from the San Francisco Examiner to show that his story is, indeed, founded on the
hanging of a man who committed a double-murder.
Box 1, Folder 5
Letters from Jack and Charmian London
1907 September
General Physical Description note: 5 pages
Scope and Content
In one letter, [Jack London?] expresses dissatisfaction at a figure named "Gene" and talks about him disparagingly. In contast,
the "Greek" is addressed in a glorified way. This letter is also interesting because it discusses the author's [London's?]
thoughts on Emerson. In the other letter, Charmian writes complaningly about Gene, who appears to evade his duties on the
voyage. The letter reveals that Gene then quits, which Charmian takes as a good riddance.
Box 1, Folder 6
Jack London to the Editor of The Pacific Monthly
1909 July 31
General Physical Description note: 1 page
Scope and Content
Jack London sends a list of the items he is sending to the Editor for consideration. The items include manuscripts ("The House
of Pride" and "Koolau the Leper"), photographs, and photographic films. At the end, London instructs the editors- "whether
you publish or not, for heaven's sake, take care of my films and prints."
Box 1, Folder 7
Jack London to Lute Pease
1909 November 28
General Physical Description note: 1 page
Scope and Content
Jack London's brief letter to Lute Pease confirming the receipt of check for his story, "Koolau the Leper," and to request
for additional copies of the Pacific Monthly.
Box 1, Folder 8
Jack London to Winston Churchill, Robert W. Chambers, Lloyd Osbourne, Owen Johnson, George Bernard Shaw, H.G. Wells
1913 March 23
General Physical Description note: 1 page; 2 copies.
Scope and Contents note
Jack London seeks to find out about the rates that these writers receive from English and American magazines, and English
and American book publishers -- seemingly in an effort to compare their rates with the rates that London himself receives.
Box 1, Folder 9
Heinold to Jack London and Jack London to Dempsey
1913 March 25-1915 December 13
General Physical Description note: 2 handwritten pages and 1 page typed copy; handwritten postcard.
Scope and Contents note
Heinold writes in praise of London to "keep up the good work." Also in this folder is a letter to William A. Dempsey in which
London recounts moments shared with Dempsey: "Remember? Hell! There's lots of things you & I can remember." There is also
a typed copy of the handwritten letter to Dempsey.
Box 1, Folder 10
Robert W. Chambers to Jack London
1913 March 31
General Physical Description note: 1 page; handwritten.
Scope and Content
Chambers praises London's new serial, "John Barleycorn," and calls it a "masterly work."
Box 1, Folder 11
Jack London to [William Huntington] Wright
1913 May 09
General Physical Description note: 1 page; typed; includes London's handwritten meta-commentary.
Scope and Content
London deems his story "Samuel" (published in The Bookman magazine) as "one of the best stories [he has] ever written, but
a failure from the magazine-sale standpoint." He tells Wright that he would much rather The Smart Set magazine had published
"Samuel." The letter has an ironic tone, and London makes comments in handwriting to indicate the parts in which he is being
ironic.
Box 1, Folder 12
Correspondence between Jack London and Churchill Williams
1913
General Physical Description note: 5 pages; 4 letters
Scope and Content
In the first letter, London justifies his "big money" contract with The Cosmopolitan, stating that "any writer doing free
lance stuff is gambling all the time," and that "said big money assures ones [sic] total fiction output for as long a period
as five years," thus guaranteeing the writer a safety net and allowing him or her to take vacations every once in a while.
The other three letters contain references to Cosmopolitan, "John Barleycorn", and some of Jack's other works.
Box 1, Folder 13
Correspondence between Jack London and Don P. Blackwood
1914-1915
General Physical Description note: 5 pages; 5 letters
Scope and Contents note
This folder contains a couple notes beteween Jack London and his secretary, Jack Byrne. These notes as well as the letters
between London and Don P. Blackwood, are regarding one of London's plays, "Theft".
Box 1, Folder 14
Correspondence between Jack London and Walter C. Jordan
1914-1915
General Physical Description note: 8 pages
Scope and Contents note
In the first letter Jack London expresses his disappointment that "John Barleycorn" would not be dramatized. He also says
that he would be happy to sign a contract for the dramatization of "Burning Daylight", but he will only sign if someone actually
plans to produce it rather than merely speculating. The other letters are also regarding the dramatic rights to several of
Jack London's plays.
Box 1, Folder 15
Mr. T. Woddey(?) to Jack London
1915 February 12
General Physical Description note: 2 pages plus an envelope and a note on scratch paper
Scope and Content
Mr. Woddey expresses his desire to use "The Game" as a stage sketch, with his sister and him in the lead roles.
Box 1, Folder 16
Jack London to Max Ehrmann
1915 April 03
General Physical Description note: 1 page
Scope and Content
London tells Ehrmann that he has finished Ehrmann's "Jesus Passion" Play, and that London's novel, "The Star Rover," has similarities
with the play.
Box 1, Folder 17
Douglas Murray(?) to Jack London
1915 April 26
General Physical Description note: 1 page
Scope and Content
Letter from Douglas Murray asking Jack London whether he (Douglas Murray) can use the theme of "Just Meat" in a production.
Box 1, Folder 18
Jack London to Mary Z.
1915 August 18
General Physical Description note: 1 page; envelope included.
Scope and Contents note
London responds to Mary Z's interest and approval of "The Sea Wolf" and his other books, and states that his stories are authentic
and based on true events.
Box 1, Folder 19
Correspondence between Jack London and Martin Johnson
1915
General Physical Description note: 4 pages, 3 letters
Scope and Content
Johnson complains about London's lack of notice on the employment of a new secretary to handle his financial matters. London
replies in a caustic tone, and Johnson responds with disappointment that he has lost London's friendship.
Box 1, Folder 20
Correspondence between Jack London and J.T. Connor
1915
General Physical Description note: 2 pages, 2 letters
Scope and Content
Connor asks London to send him a list of the greatest factors that contribute to his literary success, and London responds
with a fascinating list.
Box 1, Folder 21
Correspondence between Jack London and Mrs. R.C. Grosvenor
1915
General Physical Description note: 2 pages
Scope and Content
Grosvenor asks if the horrifying facts in London's "The Jacket" have any connection to reality or not, and if they are a representation
of California's current prison conditions. London replies that his book, "The Jacket," does not exaggerate the horrible prison
conditions in California, and is in fact an authentic representation of California's prison system.
Box 1, Folder 22
Jack London to Max Ehrmann
1915 December 02
General Physical Description note: 1 page
Scope and Content
London confirms the authenticity of accounts concerning California's prison system in his book "Star Rover."
Box 1, Folder 23
William A. Dempsey to Jack London
1915 December 12
General Physical Description note: 1 handwritten page, and a typed copy which is 2 pages long.
Scope and Contents note
Letter relates London's reception as a writer.
Box 1, Folder 24
Correspondence between Jack London and Ednah Aiken
1916
General Physical Description note: 4 pages
Scope and Content
Correspondence between Jack London, Mrs. C.S. Aiken (Ednah Aiken), and Jack Byrne regarding permission to use one of London's
short stories. London grants her permission.
Box 1, Folder 25
Jack London to "Comrades"
1916 March
General Physical Description note: 4 pages
Scope and Contents note
Included are two slightly different statements from London as he resigns from the Socialist Party. One letter reveals London's
racist and imperialist tendencies. Also included is a letter from Jack Byrne to Mrs. R.C. Grosvenor, miscellaneous notes,
and negatives of Jack's resignation from the Socialist Party.
Box 1, Folder 26
Edward B. Payne to "Comrades"
1916
General Physical Description note: 3 pages
Scope and Contents note
Payne's resignation from the Socialist Party. Letter enumerates his disagreements with the Party's doctrine of the Class Struggle
and with the Party's defense of working class individuals who had been charged with crime. Also included in this folder is
Jack London's resignation from the Socialist Party and a letter from London to the Editor of the New York Call.
Box 1, Folder 27
Correspondence between Jack Byrne and Hughes Massie & Co.
1916
General Physical Description note: 5 pages
Scope and Content
Notes and invoices regarding annual subscription fees to the Incorporated Society of Authors, Playwrights, & Composers.
Box 1, Folder 28
"An Old Lie Finally Nailed"
1916
General Physical Description note: Pamphlet; 10 copies. 2 pages of correspondence.
Scope and Content
Pamphlet correcting the "old lie" that the letter it contains was written by Jack London; the pamphlet also states that the
letter has been misused to misrepresent the Army and Navy of the United States. Also included is a letter from Lieutenant
James D. Wilson where Wilson refers to the book "Love of Life" and tells London that he now realizes why London is known as
the leader in "red blood fiction." London's response is included.
Box 1, Folder 29
"Chicane"- a play put on by The Little Theatre: Society of Indiana
1916
General Physical Description note: 4 pages of correspondence, 1 page of a newspaper clipping, 1 page of scratch paper notes, and 1 theatre program.
Scope and Content
This folder contains the program of four one-act plays by The Little Theatre of Indiana presented at the John Herron Art Institute
on April 15, 1916, including the play "Chicane," from a story by Jack London. Also included are several pieces of correspondence
and a letter to the editor regarding the play.
Box 1, Folder 30
Correspondence between Jack Byrne and W.E. Dillon
1916
General Physical Description note: 3 pages
Scope and Content
Dillon asks about a scene in London's story, "Yah Yah Yah," in which the character sets off a dynamite. London then writes
to Dillon in response to his question about the use of dynamite and a fuse.
Box 1, Folder 31
Jack London to Albert Mordell
1916 October 02
General Physical Description note: 2 pages
Scope and Content
London shares his opinion on epics such as "The Odyssey," "Paradise Lost," etc.
Box 1, Folder 32
Jack London to A.P. Taylor
1916 October 24
General Physical Description note: 1 page
Scope and Content
Letter regarding the publication of "My Hawaiian Aloha".
Box 1, Folder 33
"Unpublished Letters" to Ivan Swift
1909-1916
General Physical Description note: 1 page
Scope and Content
Transcription of 4 letters to Ivan Swift. One is from Charmian London, one is from George Sterling, and two are from Jack
London.
Box 1, Folder 36
Royalty statements from The Century Co. Publishers
1915-1916
General Physical Description note: 4 pages of Royalty Statements; 5 pages of correspondence re: Royalty Statements.
Scope and Content
Statements of royalties given to London for the re-print edition of "Smoke Bellew" and other works. The statements are dated
from April 1, 1915 to March 31, 1916.
Box 1, Folder 37
Royalty statements (Curtis Brown of Massie, Curtis Brown, Hughes Massie & Co.)
1916
General Physical Description note: 20 pages of royalty statements/correspondence re: royalty statements.
Scope and Content
This folder contains royalty statements and correspondence between Jack London and Hughes Massie, and Co. Also included are
magazine clippings which highlight Frederick Coleman's "From Mons to Ypres with French" and J. H. Morgan's "German Atrocities:
an Official Investigation.
Box 1, Folder 38
Reports of sales--Doubleday Page & Co.
1916 February 1
General Physical Description note: 2 pages
Scope and Content
Report of Sales on London's "The God of His Fathers" and "A Son of the Sun."
Box 1, Folder 39
Royalty statements--Galbraith & Welch Inc.
1916
General Physical Description note: 6 pages of Royalty Statements/ correspondence re: Royalty Statements.
Scope and Content
This folder contains royalty statements from Galbraith and Welch Inc.
Box 1, Folder 40
H. Hagerups Forlag to Jack London
1915 January 26
General Physical Description note: 1 page; envelope included.
Scope and Content
H. Hagerup's Forlag asks permission to publish future works of Jack London.
Box 1, Folder 41
Houghton Mifflin & Co.
1910-1916
General Physical Description note: 16 pages
Scope and Content
Statements and correspondence from Houghton Mifflin Company regarding payment for sales of Jack London's books.
Box 1, Folder 42
Macmillan Co., NY
1911
General Physical Description note: 4 pages
Scope and Content
Correspondence from the MacMillan Company regarding payments to Jack London.
Box 1, Folder 43
S. S. McClure Co.; McClure, Phillips & Co.
1901-1907
General Physical Description note: 14 pages
Scope and Content
Royalty statements from S.S. McClure Co. and McClure, Phillips & Co.
Box 1, Folder 44
Mills & Boon, Limited
1916 June 30
General Physical Description note: 24 pages
Scope and Content
Royalty statements from Mills & Boon, Limited, Publishers.
Box 1, Folder 45
James B. Pinker, London
1915-1916
General Physical Description note: 5 pages
Scope and Content
Royalty statements and correspondence from James B. Pinker, Literary and Dramatic Agent.
Box 1, Folder 46
A. P. Watt & Son
1915-1916
General Physical Description note: 3 pages
Scope and Content
Royalty statements and correspondence from A.P. Watt & Son, London.
Box 1, Folder 47
Miscellaneous correspondence
1900-1915
General Physical Description note: 11 pages
Scope and Content
Miscellaneous statements and notes.
Box 1, Folder 48
Memorandum of agreement for "A Son of the Sun" (Doubleday, Page & Co., London)
1911 October 27
General Physical Description note: 1 page
Scope and Content
Memorandum of Agreement from Doubleday, Page & Co. for "A Son of the Sun".
Box 2, Folder 41
Jack Byrne to G. Wiesenberger
1915 November 12
General Physical Description note: 1 page
Scope and Contents note
re: "The Tie That Binds
Box 3, Folder 20
Jack London to Charles Warren Stoddard
1902 August 29
General Physical Description note: 2 pages
Scope and Content
In this letter, Jack London encourages Charles Warren Stoddard to live in California- "It's God's country I think."
Box 3, Folder 21
"The Letters of Western Authors"
1935
Scope and Content
A December 1935 publication of The Book Club of California, this folder includes a reproduction of a letter from Jack London
to Cloudesley Johns.
Box 3, Folder 22
Charmian London to Woman's Socialist Society
1907 September 28
General Physical Description note: 3 pages
Scope and Content
Letter to the Woman's Socialist Society in Oakland, California explaining the situation in Hawaii with regards to how many
socialists live there and how active they are.
Box 3, Folder 23
Postcard from Harley R. Wiley
1908 May 30
Scope and Contents note
Pictured on the front of this postcard is the lodge where Jack London wrote "Before Adam" and "The Iron Heel".
Box 3, Folder 24
Lucius E. Pinkham to Charmian London
1916 November 23
General Physical Description note: 1 page
Scope and Contents note
Letter from Lucius Pinkham, Governor of Hawaii, expressing his sympathies to Charmian London on the passing of her husband
Jack.
Box 3, Folder 25
N. Howell Arnold to Charmian London
1916 November 30
General Physical Description note: 2 pages
Scope and Content
Mrs. N. Howell Arnold writes to Charmian London expressing her condolences about the passing of Jack, and mentioning a poem
which she (Howell) wrote which could be read at the memorial service. The poem, titled "The Valley of the Moon" is also included.
Box 3, Folder 26
James Hopper to Charmian London
1916 November 04
General Physical Description note: 1 page
Box 3, Folder 27
Grover C. McGinsly(?) to Charmian London
1916 December 29
General Physical Description note: 4 pages
Scope and Contents note
Letter expresses sympathy to Charmian London and includes a tribute poem to Jack London.
Box 3, Folder 28
Harvey Taylor to Charmian London
1930 December 16
General Physical Description note: 17 pages
Scope and Contents note
Letter to Charmian London asking 63 questions relating to Jack London and his books. Charmian London answered some of the
questions in pencil on the letter.
Box 3, Folder 29
H.E. Marle(?) to Harvey Taylor
1931 March 12
General Physical Description note: 1 page
Scope and Content
Letter from H.E. Marle, editor of Doubleday, Doran & Company to Harvey Taylor regarding a Frank Norris bibliography.
Box 3, Folder 30
Albert Mordell to Harvey Taylor
1931
General Physical Description note: 2 pages
Scope and Content
Two letters to Harvey Taylor, one of which asks him to clear up the question of whether London committed suicide.
Box 3, Folder 31
E. Ryerson Young to Harvey Taylor
1931 August 03
General Physical Description note: 1 page
Scope and Content
Letter from E. Ryerson Young pointing out that Jack London had borrowed heavily from one of Egerton Young's books for "The
Call of the Wild", dropping hints that Mr. Young's widow would appreciate some compensation from Jack London.
Box 3, Folder 32
Max Ehrmann to Harvey Taylor
1931
General Physical Description note: 2 pages
Scope and Content
2 letters to Harvey Taylor which seem to be responding to Taylor's request for letters from Jack London.
Box 3, Folder 33
Ivan Swift to Harvey Taylor
1910-1928
General Physical Description note: 1 envelope with a letter inside, 1 postcard, 1 photo, and 6 other pages
Scope and Contents note
Correspondence and notes regarding "Fagots of Cedar" by Ivan Swift. Also included is a 1910 photograph of Ivan Swift.
Box 3, Folder 34
Georgia L. Bamford to Harvey Taylor
1932 January 23
General Physical Description note: 2 pages
Scope and Content
Letter includes envelope as well as an order card for "The Mystery of Jack London" by Georgia Loring Bamford.
Box 3, Folder 35
Upton Sinclair to R.W. Francis
1932 September 21
General Physical Description note: 1 page
Scope and Contents note
This brief letter mentions the suicide of London.
Box 3, Folder 36
Richard P. Kerr to Jacob Blanck
1955 November
General Physical Description note: 6 pages
Scope and Content
This letter from The Old Crow Distillery Company, asserts that Martin Eden was a real person, and not solely a fictional character
in one of Jack London's books. Includes copies of articles on Martin Eden, as well as a copy of his death certificate. Also
included is a letter from Jacob Blanck to Lloyd A. Arvidson regarding the donation of a few pages to USC's Jack London collection.
Box 3, Folder 37
George H. Tweney to Lloyd A. Arvidson (USC Librarian)
1966
General Physical Description note: 3 pages
Scope and Content
These two letters refer to a commemorative gathering being held in Seattle for the fiftieth anniversary of the death of Jack
London.
Box 1, Folder 34
Jack London Notes
undated
General Physical Description note: 1 page (typed copy); 15 pages of original notes on scratch paper.
Scope and Content
Handwritten notes on "(Great) Short Story"
Box 1, Folder 35
"The Assassination Bureau"
undated
General Physical Description note: 92 pages typed draft; 6 pages of notes
Scope and Content
1st typed draft and notes of "The Assassination Bureau" (novel fragment), with autograph corrections by London and George
Sterling.
Box 1, Folder 49
"Farthest Distant" typescript and notes
undated
General Physical Description note: 21 pages of notes/typescripts/newspaper clippings
Scope and Content
In addition to "Farthest Distant", this folder contains the typescript and notes for "Tropical Sunset at Sea" as well as some
notes and newspaper clippings on Socialist lectures.
Box 1, Folder 50
"Jack Liverpool"
undated
General Physical Description note: 5 pages
Scope and Content
This folder contains the typescript and some notes for "Jack Liverpool".
Box 1, Folder 51
"Principles of the Republican Party"
undated
General Physical Description note: 8 pages and an envelope
Scope and Content
This essay, written for a literary contest in Oakland, has a note at the top saying it won second prize. The essay discusses
the positive and negative aspects of the Republican Party.
Box 1, Folder 52
"The Birth Mark"
undated
General Physical Description note: 26 pages
Scope and Content
This typescript is labeled as a "Sketch by Jack London written for Robert and Julia Fitzsimmons".
Box 1, Folder 53
"Burning Daylight"
undated
General Physical Description note: The lengthy manuscript is fastened together in a folder.
Scope and Content
A comedy in four acts; preliminary draft.
Box 1, Folder 54
"Burning Daylight"
undated
General Physical Description note: The lengthy typescript is fastened together in a folder.
Scope and Content
A play in four acts; working draft.
Box 3, Folder 40
"The Common Man"
1909
Scope and Content
A play in four acts, by Jack London and Walter H. Nichols; carbon copy transcript. The play is based upon Jack London's story,
"South of the Slot," published as the leading feature of "The Saturday Evening Post", May 22, 1909.
Box 2, Folder 1
"The Damascus Road"
1913
General Physical Description note: 102 pages; carbon copy typescript
Scope and Content
A play in three acts by London and Walter H. Nichols (unpublished).The play was suggested by Jack London's story of old San
Francisco, before the earthquake and the fire, published originally in "The Saturday Evening Post" under the title "South
of the Slot".
Box 2, Folder 2
"Even Unto Death"
undated
General Physical Description note: 8 pages original typescript; printed tearsheets included. Tearsheets contain a few illustrations.
Scope and Content
This is an 1800 word short story.
Box 2, Folder 3
Notes on projected pieces of literature
undated
General Physical Description note: 13 pages original typescript; 13 pages photocopies of typescript.
Scope and Content
Projected pieces include "Mercy of the Sea," Smoke of Life," "The Pearl Man. Maybe The Sun-God," "Barbarian" (?), "A Study
of Marriage, in Two Parts," "Autobiography," "A Clean Steal," "Man Who Was," "Ecuador," "A Tyro's View on Tipping," and a
novel on Christ.
Box 2, Folder 4
"Hearts of Three"
1915 December 14
General Physical Description note: 15 pages carbon typescript of "Hearts of Three" by London and Charles W. Goddard (with autograph and revisions by London);
tearsheets of intoduction, "Drama Comes Back from the Movies." Also includes a 6-page letter from Goddard to London (in pencil)
Scope and Content
Included in this folder is the carbon copy typescript of "Hearts of Three", as well as some handwritten notes and an article
by Alfred Kuttner. The Introduction to "Hearts of Three" was taken from Kuttner's article, "Drama Comes Back from the Movies".
Box 2, Folder 5
"In the Time of Prince Charley"
undated
General Physical Description note: 22 pages
Scope and Content
This is a short story of 3600 words.
Box 2, Folder 6
"Jack London"
undated
General Physical Description note: 2 pages original typescript
Scope and Content
London's autobiographical sketch
Box 2, Folder 7
"Jack London in Boston"
undated
General Physical Description note: 6-page original typescript
Scope and Content
Autobiographical sketch of 2050 words.
Box 2, Folder 8
"Boat Article: Futile Adventures" & "Adventure--Failures"
undated
General Physical Description note: Notes and original typescript drafts, 3 pages.
Box 2, Folder 9
"The Plague Ship"
undated
General Physical Description note: 9 pages
Scope and Content
Original typescript of the short story with a small number of hand-written corrections.
Box 2, Folder 10
"The 'Road'--Glimpses of an Underworld"
undated
General Physical Description note: 12 pages
Scope and Content
Original typescript of the short story, which is about 4000 words long and includes handwritten corrections.
Box 2, Folder 11
"The Run Across: A Prose Sea-Idyl"
undated
General Physical Description note: 2 pages
Scope and Content
Original typescript of the short story.
Box 2, Folder 12
"San Juan de Ulua"
undated
General Physical Description note: 8 pages
Scope and Content
Original typescript of the short story, along with some notes on Spanish names.
Box 2, Folder 13
"Scorn of Women"
undated
Scope and Content
Original typescript of a play in three acts by Jack London; approximately 28,678 words.
Box 2, Folder 14
"The Socialist's Dream"
1897
General Physical Description note: 2 pages, and envelope, and a note on scratch paper.
Scope and Content
Original typescript of a poem by Jack London; also included in this folder is the envelope which the poem came in as well
as a note mentioning that before this 1897 manuscript the earliest known London manuscript is from 1904.
Box 2, Folder 15
"Strikes"
1909 January 11
General Physical Description note: 5 pages
Scope and Content
This is an original typescript of an essay by London on capitalism in Australia and in the United States.
Box 2, Folder 16
"Wanted: A New Law of Development"
undated
General Physical Description note: 20 pages
Scope and Content
Original typescript of an approximately 6,300 word commentary on evolution, politics, and society.
Box 2, Folder 17
Misc. notes
undated
General Physical Description note: 12 pages
Scope and Content
Notes on ideas for various novels and stories.
Box 2, Folder 18
"A Wicked Woman"
undated
Scope and Content
This folder contains the original typescript and a copy of this play by Jack London.
Box 2, Folder 19
"Who Believes in Ghosts?"
undated
General Physical Description note: 6 pages
Scope and Content
Original typescript of a short story about ghosts.
Box 2, Folder 20
"The Yankee Myth"
1909 January 29
General Physical Description note: 12 pages
Scope and Content
Original typescript and two copies of an essay London wrote about speech patterns, dialects, and how to characterize "the
American."
Box 2, Folder 21
Essay on how to begin a successful newspaper
undated
General Physical Description note: 8 pages
Scope and Content
Two copies of an essay on how to make a fortune by starting a newspaper which caters to the working class.
Box 2, Folder 22
Essay on the government's role in caring for homeless children
undated
General Physical Description note: 8 pages
Scope and Content
Two copies of an essay comparing how New South Wales takes care of "homeless boys" vs. how California takes care of these
boys. London concludes that New South Wales does a much better job of it while spending less money, yet he is still critical
of the Capitalist system in New South Wales.
Box 2, Folder 23
Untitled short story
1904 March 13
General Physical Description note: 2 pages
Scope and Content
This brief story relating an experience with an American missionary in Korea may be non-fiction.
Box 2, Folder 24
Introduction to "Prison Memoirs of an Anarchist"
1912 February 19
General Physical Description note: 6 pages
Scope and Content
This folder contains an unpublished introduction to "Prison Memoirs of an Anarchist" by Alexander Berkman. Because his introduction
was not sympathetic to Berkman as an anarchist, London's introduction was never published.
Box 2, Folder 26
"Jack London, Rancher" by E.S. Goodhue
undated
General Physical Description note: 4 pages
Scope and Content
Description of a piece of land bought by Jack London in northern California.
Box 2, Folder 27
"Jack London, Kamaaina"
1917 September 1
General Physical Description note: 60 pages
Scope and Content
Pages 231- 291 of a manuscript, which looks to be about Jack London. The first few pages discuss how his death affected his
community of fans and friends in Hawaii.
Box 2, Folder 40
"The Tie that Binds"
1915 November 12
General Physical Description note: 5 pages
Scope and Content
Character list and synopsis of "The Tie That Binds", a work by G. Wiesenberger. Also included is a letter from Jack London's
secretary to G. Wiesenberger expressing his apologies that Mr. London cannot take up this work due to other contracts with
his publishers.
Box 3, Folder 12
Jack London bibliography in Bulgarian
1961 March 28
General Physical Description note: 16 pages
Box 3, Folder 15
Preface to "The Iron Heel" French edition
undated
General Physical Description note: 8 pages
Scope and Content
This folder contains a carbon copy of the original preface in French, written by Anatole France, as well as 2 English translations.
Box 3, Folder 18
"The Dice-Box of the Gods"
undated
General Physical Description note: 17 pages
Scope and Content
This manuscript was written by James Ralington.
Accounting (Publishers and Agents Correspondence/Accounts/Business-related)
Box 2, Folder 29
Cancelled checks
1916
General Physical Description note: 2 checks
Box 2, Folder 33
Certificate of Discharge of Sea-men
1908 May 11
General Physical Description note: 1 page
Scope and Content
Certificate of Discharge- E.A. Leger from the yacht "Shark"of San Francisco.
Magazine Excerpts of London's Works
Box 3, Folder 1
Magazine excerpts...1
1902-1909
General Physical Description note: 9 excerpts
Scope and Content
Includes excerpts of "To Build a Fire", "The Voyage of the Snark", "Trust", "All Gold Canon", "The House of Mapuhi", "The
Game", "Just Meat", and "My Life in the Underworld".
Box 3, Folder 2
Magazine excerpts...2
1902-1928
General Physical Description note: 10 excerpts
Scope and Content
Includes stories/ articles such as "Language of the Tribe", "Up the Slide", "An Adventure in the Upper Sea", "The Salt of
the Earth", "The Stone Fishing of Bora Bora", "A Thousand Deaths", "If Japan Wakens China", and "Eight Factors of Literary
Success".
Box 3, Folder 3
Magazine excerpts...3
1896-1914
General Physical Description note: 10 excerpts
Essays by and about London
Box 3, Folder 41
Biographical notes of Harvey Taylor
1916-1931
General Physical Description note: 6 items
Scope and Content
Includes notes, a newspaper clipping, and writings not published in book form.
Box 3, Folder 6
Biography of Jack London
undated
General Physical Description note: 1 page
Box 3, Folder 7
Autobiography of Jack London
undated
General Physical Description note: 10 pages
Scope and Content
This fascinating autobiography begins with "I was born in San Francisco in 1876. At fifteen I was a man among men, and if
I had a spare nickel I spent it on beer instead of candy, because I thought it was more manly to buy beer..."
Box 3, Folder 8
Biography of Jack London
1904 May 11
General Physical Description note: Original and copy, each 3 pages long
Box 3, Folder 11
"Jack London; Myth or Reality"
undated
General Physical Description note: 7 pages
Scope and Content
Short biography of Jack London
Box 3, Folder 13
"Jack London: An Appreciation"
undated
General Physical Description note: 2 pages
Scope and Content
Poem by Berton Braley
Box 3, Folder 14
"Jack London, The Poet of the Laboring Classes"
undated
General Physical Description note: 8 pages
Scope and Content
Written by Einar Christiansen, this is a short reflection on the life and works of Jack London.
Box 3, Folder 16
"Jack London, Preacher"
1914 April 1
General Physical Description note: 3 pages
Scope and Content
This essay by E.S. Goodhue appeared in the Honolulu Star-Bulletin.
Box 3, Folder 17
Excerpt of an Interview with Jack London
1913 June
General Physical Description note: 2 pages
Scope and Content
By Emanuel Julius, this essay appeared in "Western Comrade".
Box 3, Folder 19
"An American Novelist of Action- Jack London"
undated
General Physical Description note: 7 pages
Scope and Content
Originally written in French and translated into English, this is a short biography of Jack London's life, written by Firmin
Roz.
Box 2, Folder 28
"The Sea Sprite and the Shooting Star"
1932
General Physical Description note: 1 pamphlet
Scope and Content
Printed in this pamphlet is the poem "The Sea Sprite and the Shooring Star" by Jack London.
Box 2, Folder 30
"Jack London" by himself
undated
General Physical Description note: 21 pamphlets
Scope and Content
Each of these pamphlets contains a printing of a short autobiography of Jack London.
Box 2, Folder 31
Instructions for Glen Ellen visitors
undated
General Physical Description note: 8 pages
Scope and Content
Small, unfolded pamphlet which describes the routine of the Londons for guests who may be coming to visit.
Box 2, Folder 36
"Jack London's Adventures in the South Sea Islands"
1913 June 23
General Physical Description note: One pamphlet
Scope and Content
On the pamphlet cover- "Mr. Johnson was the only white man who left San Francisco on the "SNARK" that made the entire cruise
of the South Sea Islands with Jack London. His pictures and lecture deals with conditions as they are today in this far off
and little known part of the world."
Box 2, Folder 37
Pamphlets of works by Jack London
undated
General Physical Description note: 10 items
Scope and Content
Publishers' announcements and pamphlets of works by Jack London; includes a complete list of the works of Jack London, a postcard
advertising "The Valley of the Moon", and a comprehensive list of Socialist books by Socialists.
Box 2, Folder 38
Pamphlets of works by Charmian London
undated
General Physical Description note: 8 items
Scope and Content
Includes publishers' pamphlets for "Our Hawaii", "The Log of the Snark", and "The Book of Jack London".
Box 2, Folder 39
Pamphlets of works not by Jack London
1916
General Physical Description note: 9 items
Scope and Content
Includes pamphlets for "An Interview" by Daniel W. Church, "The Fiction Factory" by John Milton Edwards, "The Jungle" by Upton
Sinclair, and "Jesus: A Passion Play" by Max Ehrmann.
Box 3, Folder 4
Short works by London
1926
General Physical Description note: 3 booklets
Scope and Content
This folder contains 3 booklets/ short works by Jack London- "The Strength of the Strong", "The Son of the Wolf", and "Tramping
with Kelly through Iowa".
Box 2, Folder 25
Signed Photograph of Jack London
undated
General Physical Description note: 1 photograph
Box 2, Folder 32
Photographs of Jack London
undated
Scope and Content
This folder contains dozens of photos of Jack London, Charmian London, Jack's parents, and the Jack London Ranch in California.
Box 3, Folder 5
Various clippings
1911-1915
General Physical Description note: 6 items
Scope and Content
Various newspaper clippings of Jack London's letters to the editor, and book reviews of his works. A note on top of the file
says "Interesting material- signed reply, notes, etc."
Box 3, Folder 9
Articles about London and his works/ legacy
1895-1933
General Physical Description note: 31 items
Scope and Content
This folder contains articles about Jack London on varying topics such as the socialist ideas of Jack London, whether he committed
suicide or died naturally, and recollections from friends about days spent with Jack.
Box 3, Folder 10
Miscellaneous clippings
1899-1932
General Physical Description note: 8 items
Scope and Content
Most of these miscellaneous newspaper clippings do not mention Jack London.
Box 5, Folder 1
Newspaper clippings about Jack London
1895 December 25
Box 2, Folder 34
Documents related to the yacht "Snark"
1908 June 6
General Physical Description note: 2 pages
Scope and Content
This folder contains an itinery and a health certificate from the colony of Fiji.
Box 2, Folder 35
The Ruskin Club
1904-1906
General Physical Description note: 6 pages, which includes 2 newspaper clippings
Scope and Content
Jack London and his wife were guests of honor at The Ruskin Club's dinner reception; included in this folder is the program,
two short newspaper articles about Jack's presence at the dinner, and other documents relating to The Ruskin Club.
Box 5, Folder 2
Poster--"Jesus: A Passion Play"
undated
General Physical Description note: One poster approximately 21" x 14" and an envelope
Scope and Content
Handwritten on this poster--"Rarest of London items" and "First printing. Very scarce."
Box 3, Folder 38
Unidentified pencil notes
undated
Box 3, Folder 39
List of items in the Jack London collection
undated
General Physical Description note: 11 pages
Scope and Content
This list from the Dawson Book Shop in Los Angeles, identifies "The Cresmer Collection of Jack London" as 151 items. It is
listed for sale at $1,200 dollars.
Box 5
The Jack London Bibliography negative microfilm
undated
Box 4
Jack London Bibliography
1942
Scope and Content
This 4x6 index card box contains a very extensive bibliography of the works of Jack London. Written on the first card in the
box is a description that reads: "This Bibliography of Jack London's work and the critical reaction it has fastened was prepared
for a coursee in Bibliography and Research at the University of Southern California, Summer 1942. It was prepared in a period
of four weeks and is as accurate and extensive as the time would allow. I believe it is complete, or nearly so, but it should
be checked with the Harvey Taylor bibliography and with all the foreign scholarly, literary, and periodical indexes. Anyone
who wishes may use this file for reference or guidance- at the discretion of the library staff."