Background
In 1997, Waring Jones set out to find a suitable repository for what is now the Jack London Collection. 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 to serve London scholars, students, and the community were among the reasons he selected SSU. The Jack London Collection came to the University Library in 2000. The donor, Waring Jones, combined his private London collection with a collection he purchased from the estate of fellow collector, Carl J. Bernatovech, to create a fine collection that is especially strong in movie memorabilia and magazine first appearances.
In addition, Waring Jones donated funds to preserve, organize, and store the materials.
Collection
The Jack London Collection is housed in the Library’s Waring Jones Reading Room and contains many rare and unique items, including:
- First editions of Jack London’s novels
- Correspondence by Jack & Charmian London
- Published magazine writings, including many first appearances
- Movie memorabilia, including lobby cards and posters
- Photographs, artifacts, and ephemera
Access
The research material in the collection is available to view by appointment.
