Jack London Collection
Sonoma State University Library
About the Collection
The Jack London Collection came to the University Library in 2000. An avid collector, Carl J. Bernatovech, and the donor, Waring Jones, collected the materials. Bernatovech's intense interest in London and his dedication as a collector resulted in a fine private collection, especially strong in movie memorabilia and magazine first appearances.
In 1997, Waring Jones purchased the collection from the Bernatovech estate. Adding selected items from his own London collection, he set out to find a home for the combined materials. The proximity of Sonoma State University to Jack London's Beauty Ranch in Glen Ellen (now the Jack London State Historic Park) and his desire that the materials be available to London scholars, undergraduate students and the community were among the reasons he chose Sonoma State University Library.
Waring Jones donated funds to preserve and organize the donated materials, as well as build the Waring Jones Reading Room, a space designed to house the works of London and other regional authors.
This collection contains many rare and unique items including:
- First editions of Jack London’s novels
- Correspondence written by or to Jack & Charmian London
- Published magazine writings, including many first appearances, by Jack & Charmian London
- Movie memorabilia, including lobby cards and posters
- Photographs, artifacts, ephemera
- Printed materials written about Jack London
Additional Resources
- Jack London Online Collection
- Jack London at the Huntington Library
- Jack London at Utah State University
- Jack London Collection at the Bancroft Library, UCB
- Nakata and Stevens Papers at Sonoma State University
Access to the Collection
Who is eligible to use the collection?
The collection is a public resource available to campus and community researchers.
When is the collection accessible?
Access is by appointment.
Bibliographic records for most items in the collection are found in the Library’s online catalog.
Are there restrictions to viewing the collection?
No, but items must be viewed in the Waring Jones Reading Room in the University Library (Third Floor South) accompanied by Library personnel. See User Guidelines.
May I reproduce items from this collection?
The Library owns the items in this collection but does not own the copyrights. The original author/publisher/photographer, or his or her estate, holds the copyright for each item. Some London materials are now in the public domain. Consult with Library personnel for assistance. Conditions for Reproducing and Use of Library Materials
