Lot 436
London, Charmian (1871-1957) Wife of American writer Jack London; considered his soul-mate. After his death in 1916, she spent the last 40 years of her life keeping his books in print and before the public. Five typed letters signed (all "Charmian London"), total of 6 pages, July 14, 1920-April 6, 1921, 11 x 8½ in. (except for 1 page), all with printed, stamped, or typed "Jack London" and Glen Ellen address at top. To Mrs. Margaret Oliver of Santa Cruz, CA, a writer and medium who intends to publish a book which she says Jack London dictated to her from beyond the grave. Charmian tells her that she cannot claim "Jack London, Deceased" as the author of the proposed work, "Death's Sting," and explains that "If I allowed a book to come out under such 'authorship,' immediately every faker in the land--and they are legion--would have perfect right to do the same….the selling value of bona fide work of Jack London's would be more or less injured, and too much depends on this…." She continued her correspondence with Mrs. Oliver, and in 1921 she wrote, "If I should ever be convinced, beyond the flutter of a doubt, I'd eat cyanide of potassium so quickly that I'd be on the Other Side, groping around for Jack, before I had time to think about it!" Very interesting content. Some waterstaining and soiling. Accompanied by a 2-page letter from one Edward B. Payne to Mrs. Oliver, proposing an article about Jack London, about which Mrs. London should have no right of decision.
Estimated Value $800 - 1,000.
Christophe Stickel Autographs.
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| Realized $1,800 |
