The Nakata and Stevens papers date from 1938. The key item within the collection is an original manuscript titled “A Hero to His Valet” by Yoshimatsu Nakata, transcribed by Barry Fox Stevens. From 1907 to 1915, Jack London and his wife, Charmian, employed Nakata as their valet. In the 1930’s, Stevens, a psychologist and author, met Nakata in Hawaii, where he was practicing dentistry. She worked with him to document his recollections of the Londons. The manuscript was sent to Charmian London and returned with margin notes and suggested changes. After the death of Barry Fox Stevens, this version of the manuscript was stored in an attic and eventually discovered by her family. The article was published posthumously in 2000 in the Jack London Journal. The Nakata and Stevens papers include drafts of the final article. Also included are papers relating to the publication of the article and copies of some of Nakata's personal photographs.

2 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.