Lot 358
London, Jack (1876-1916). American novelist known as a rugged individualist and champion of the 'underdog'. Born John Griffith Chaney, the self-educated writer was accepted into the University of California, but left to pursue the riches of the gold rush. His most popular works include, The Call of the Wild, White Fang, as well as several autobiographical tales. One of the most translated authors of the 20th Century, his works are known all over the world.
Autograph Letter Signed ("Jack London"). Two pages, recto and verso, quarto, London, August 29, 1902. On onion-skin paper. To Charles Warren Stoddard. There is minor creasing along the center mailing crease and some minor nicks along the edges of both pages. Overall, in fine condition.
This important literary letter features good personal content and was written while London was researching and writing The People of the Abyss, his Expositionsé of life in London's slums in the face of the British Empire's wealth and power. London writes: "…Why do you not come out to California to live? It's God's Country, I think, though, perhaps, you have been away too long to agree with me. I am down here in the East End of London, studying the rottenness of civilization at the heart of the greatest empire in the world. Well, it is rotten. I am half way done with a book upon the subject, which same I began two weeks & a half ago. I am rushing it along, for I am anxious to be out of this human hell-hole…Then I shall take a long-deferred vacation over on the continent…If not, shall as soon as I return home, which will be I do not know when; for if I should get hold of a roving commission I know I shall exploit it for a while. How I happened to be here was a miscarriage of plans. I started out to make a scoop of the personal stories of DeWitt, Botha, & Dellerey, but the day before I should have sailed for South Africa, they started for Europe…I am glad to hear you are taking up your novel, &, I think, glad that you are out of the University…"
Estimated Value $3,500 - 4,500.
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