The Book of Jack London Volume 1 (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1921 edition. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER XVin THE CLOUDESLEY JOHNS CORRESPONDENCE CLOUDESLEY JOHNS was the first person who ever wrote to me about my work," I have heard Jack say. Mr. Johns had read "To the Man On Trail" and "The White Silence" in the January and February numbers of the Overland, and was unreserved in praise. At the head of Jack's reply is penciled, for the guidance of some one to whom Mr. Johns may have sent it for perusal: "I prophesied greatness, and told him not to disappoint me. He won't. "Cloudesley Johns." Jack's reply is dated at 962 East 16th St., Oakland, February 10, 1899: ' Dear sir: ' What an encouragement your short note was From the same I judge you can appreciate one's groping in the dark on strange trails. It's the first word of cheer I have received (a cheer, far more potent than publisher's checks). "If a strong chin and a perhaps deceptive consciousness of growing strength, will aid in the fulfilment of your prophecy, it may to a certain extent be realized. Yes, my name is Jack London--rather an un-American heritage from a Yankee ancestry, dating beyond the French and Indian wars. "Thanking you for your kindness, I am, "Very truly yours, "Jack London." With his second letter, Mr. Johns sent Jack a manuscript to pass upon. And pass upon it did Jack, with no uncertain touch. It is a pity I have not space to print his critique in full, the advice is so pertinent. As an example: "It's hard to explain what I mean. Thus, for the Mexican --Statistics are not emotional, when stated in statistical manner. Don't say the Co. treated the men this way, or cheated them that way. Let the reader learn these facts through the minds of the men themselves, let the reader look at the question through their eyes. There are a variety of ways by which to...