Jack London in context collection
Finding aid created by Sonoma State University Library staff using RecordEXPRESS
Sonoma State University Library
2021
Special Collections
1801 E. Cotati Avenue
Rohnert Park, California 94928
(707) 664-4152
specialcollections@sonoma.edu
http://library.sonoma.edu/specialcollections/
Title: Jack London in context collection
Dates: 1890-2016
Collection Number: Consult repository
Creator/Collector:
Andrews, Palmer
Extent: 115 linear feet
Repository:
Sonoma State University Library
Rohnert Park, California 94928
Abstract: 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.
Language of Material: English
Collection is open for research by appointment.
The library can only claim physical ownership of the collection. Users are responsible for satisfying any claimants of literary
property.
Jack London in context collection. Sonoma State University Library
Biography/Administrative History
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.
Scope and Content of Collection
The Jack London in Context Collection includes books, research materials, and art reflecting Jack London's personal and literary
connections to contemporaries, great thinkers, and current events and reflects the collector’s particular interests and feelings
regarding Jack London.
The collection contains some early editions of Jack London’s novels, magazine first appearances, correspondence, biographical
works about Jack London and his wife Charmian Kittredge London as well as their contemporaries, reference books for London
researchers, photographs, movie memorabilia, and ephemera. The breadth of the collection demonstrates Palmer Andrew’s passion
as a collector of Jack London materials as well as contextual material that reflects London’s time and his popularity in American
culture. The collection is 115 linear feet in size.
American literature.
Authors, American -- 20th century.
Novelists, American -- 20th century.
Adventure and adventurers -- United States.
Short stories -- American.
Adventure stories -- American.
Snark (Ship).
London, Jack, 1876-1916.
London, Charmian.
Austin, Mary.
French, Nora May.
Sterling, George.
London family.
Sonoma County, (Calif.)
Valley of the Moon (Calif.)
Jack London State Historic Park.