The life of American writer Jack London (1876-1916) spanned a lively and complicated historical era and he was able to capture the period in his many works of fiction and nonfiction. This collection, donated by Palmer Andrews in 2014, focuses on books and research materials that reflect London’s vast range of interests and his personal and literary connections to contemporaries, great thinkers, and events. For more information about and to make an appointment to view this collection, search the University Library’s online catalog. The collection was processed and the inventory prepared by Lynn Downey in 2018. The materials are housed in the Library’s Waring Jones Reading Room.

Jack London (born Jan. 12, 1876, died Nov. 22, 1916) is best known for his books The Call of the Wild, White Fang, and The Sea-Wolf, and a few short stories, such as "To Build a Fire" and "The White Silence." In fact, he was a prolific writer whose fiction explored several regions and their cultures: the Yukon, California, Hawaii, and the Solomon Islands. He experimented with many literary forms, from conventional love stories and dystopias to science fantasy. His noted journalism included war correspondence, boxing stories, and the life of Molokai lepers. A committed socialist, he insisted, against editorial pressures, on writing political essays and on inserting social criticism in his fiction. He was among the most influential figures of his day, and understood how to create a public persona and use the media to market his self-created image of poor-boy-turned-success-story. London's great passion was agriculture, and he was well on the way to creating a new model for ranching through his Beauty Ranch when he died at age 40. He left over fifty books of novels, stories, journalism, and essays, many of which have been translated and continue to be read around the world.

115 linear feet

The library can only claim physical ownership of the collection. Users are responsible for satisfying any claimants of literary property.

Collection is open for research by appointment.