Description
This collection contains
correspondence, manuscripts, photographs and watercolors pertaining to the life and work of
California lyric poet George Sterling (1869-1926). Much of the correspondence in the
collection is between Sterling and other American writers and poets, who discuss their own
work and the work of other individuals. Almost all of the correspondence in the collection
by Sterling is addressed to his friend, and fellow author, Jack London
(1876-1916).
Background
George Sterling (1869-1926) was an American poet, prose stylist and playwright. Sterling
was born in Sag Harbor, New York, and moved to California in 1892, where he met and became a
pupil to Ambrose Bierce (1842-1914?). Sterling's poetry was first published through the aid
of Bierce, who included some of Sterling's verse in his San Francisco
Examiner column. In 1903, Sterling's first book of poetry was published, The Testimony of the Suns, and was followed by nine more volumes of
verse in the years to come, including A Wine of Wizardry and Other
Poems (1908). In 1908 Sterling and his wife, Caroline Rand, moved from Oakland to
Carmel. Then, after several years in New York, Sterling lived at the Bohemian Club in San
Francisco. Sterling was good friends with author Jack London. Sterling died by his own hand
in 1926.
Extent
15 Linear Feet
(12 boxes, 1 envelope)
Restrictions
The Huntington Library does not require that researchers request permission to quote from
or publish images of this material, nor does it charge fees for such activities. The
responsibility for identifying the copyright holder, if there is one, and obtaining
necessary permissions rests with the researcher.
Availability
Open for use by qualified researchers and by appointment. Please contact Reader Services at
the Huntington Library for more information.