Max Goodman letters
Finding aid created by Sonoma State University Library staff using RecordEXPRESS
Sonoma State University Library
2020
Special Collections
1801 E. Cotati Avenue
Rohnert Park, California 94928
(707) 664-4152
specialcollections@sonoma.edu
http://library.sonoma.edu/specialcollections/
Title: Max Goodman letters
Dates: 1932-1935
Collection Number: Consult repository
Creator/Collector:
Goodman, Max
Extent: 11 letters
Repository:
Sonoma State University Library
Rohnert Park, California 94928
Abstract: The collection consists of eleven letters exchanged between Max Goodman, a Philadelphia pharmacist, and Charmian London. The
correspondence was a 1976 gift to the Sonoma State University Library by Milo Shepard, grand-nephew of Jack London and grandson
of Eliza Shepard. Max Goodman initiated the correspondence in 1932, in the form of a fan letter to Charmian London. London
responded with details about life on her ranch and discusses the Nazi banning of some of Jack London’s books. The last letter
to Charmian London was written in March 1935 by Max Goodman.
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.
Max Goodman letters. Sonoma State University Library
Biography/Administrative History
During an inventory of the Jack London collection at Sonoma State University, an un-cataloged file folder containing forty-two
pages of correspondence between Max Goodman, a Philadelphia pharmacist, and Charmian London was discovered. Eleven letters
are in the folder, six hand-written by Max Goodman, and five typed letters by Charmian London. These letters reveal information
about Charmian which has not been reported by any of her biographers. Charmian, Jack London’s widow, was 61 years old when
the correspondence began. Unfortunately, Max Goodman does not reveal his age, but we estimate he was in his late 20s or early
30s.
Scope and Content of Collection
Collection consists of eleven letters, six hand-written by Max Goodman, and five typed letters by Charmian London.
London, Charmian