Description

London, Jack. Check Signed “Jack London,” a draft in the amount of $150.00 on the Merchants National Bank, San Francisco, dated January 11, 1911, payable to London’s friend, the artist, Felix Peano. 2 ¾ in x 6 in. The check is endorsed by Peano on the verso. Perforation cancellation dated January 13, 1911, not affecting either London’s or Peano’s signature. Ink stamps on verso. Contrary to legend, Jack London (1876 – 1916) did not live in Felix Peano’s house in Oakland, California, while he was writing The Call of the Wild. Examination of the correspondence indicates London was living in a bungalow at 575 Blair Avenue in Piedmont, California, which he rented from poet, George Sterling, when he wrote Call of the Wild. Prior to moving into the bungalow, London lived at La Caprichiosa, Peano’s Italianate villa There are creases where the check was folded, otherwise in very good condition.