Lot 147
London, Charmian & Joan London. Charmian (1871-1955) was the second wife of Jack London Joan (1901-71) was his daughter from his first marriage. Charmian wrote The Book of Jack London (1921), a two volume biography and spent the years after Jack's death in 1916 keeping his memory alive. Archive of 15 letters written between 1906 and 1936. Fourteen letters written by Charmian and one by Joan London. The letters are written to James M. Chandler (2), Paul Eldridge (2), Hunter Kimbrough (8 letters and a Christmas card by Charmian, 1 by Joan), and Buster Creely (1). There are also two photos of Charmian. Overall fine. To Jim Chandler, who had intended to sail around the world with the Londons on the Snark, she writes in April 1906 of their preparations, "The keel is laid, and things are going on smoothly…with the boat-building. All our plans are toward this trip…." On Nov. 17, 1913, she writes to Paul Eldridge from "our small yawl yacht, the ROAMER. Jack is so busy catching cat-fish…that he has asked me to write his letters….Jack wears a Stetson himself, on the ranch….I deeply sympathize with the admirers who haven't the pleasure of his intimate acquaintance…." She also mentions several of London's writings. On Jan 13, 1914, she writes "Our 2 mos. yachting was…broken by a call from N.Y. where Mr. London now is…Today is his birthday…."
The other letters are written after London's death (1916). The letters to Hunter Kimbrough (brother-in-law to Upton Sinclair) are datelined from Glen Ellen and Oakland, CA, from Honolulu and Berlin. She describes her many travels, social plans, her relationship with Joan and her attitude toward life, "…I am happy because I intend to be. Which means keeping fit, from scalp to soles!" She also mentions Jack: "I think Jack and I were lucky in knowing absolutely what we wanted, and not caring how many times we repeated like adventures!" (1925) She mentions the filming of THE SEA WOLF and in 1928 writes from Hawaii of completing London's EYES OF ASIA, "…must cut & condense somewhat. And I can improve it much by this, seeing again of the land on which he placed his imaginary plantation." From Berlin in 1929, she is thrilled that "Jack is the idol of Young Germany." Of Joan, she says, "Joan and I find each other congenial…We are both so busy, however, that we get together seldom, though we write back and forth…." She also mention Upton (Sinclair), the "bohemians" (Jack was a member of the Bohemian Club), George (Sterling), and talks of Hunter's past and future visits, including several references to being caught by him when she fell down the stairs ("It was a curious situation for a first embrace!!!My but you are strong!"). To Bunster Creely (1936), she writes, "I haven't an idea where & how my husband came by the name of Bunster! Most likely he picked it up in the South Seas….Glad you've found my biography of Jack London helpful…."
Estimated Value $1,500 - 2,500.
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