London, Jack

Autograph note signed ("Jack London"), to Bernice Piilani Irwin, 1 pages (3 x 4  1/4  in.; 76 x 108 mm), Honolulu, 10 July 1916 —  with: passport photograph of London by Arnold Genthe (2  3/8  x 2  1/4 in;  60 x 58 mm), signed ("Jack London"), (c. 1910–11).  Items matted, glazed and framed together; not examined out of frame. 

A "get-well" message from Jack London.  "To Piilani: When you come, come not to me bringing the tops of the taro.  Jack London, Honolulu, July 10, 1916."  Bernice Piilani Irwin was the wife of Edward Payson Irwin, editor of the Honolulu Advertiser.  Piilani told London many Hawaiian tales and legends.  In one creation story, Man came from the top of the Taro, the root being the source of poi.

Two nights before this note was written, Piilani and Jack and Charmian London all attended a grand dinner party given by the Bruce Cartwrights.  Piilani became ill later that evening and was admitted to hospital with a burst appendix.  Jack came to see her in the hospital, bearing a bouquet of gardenias with this card attached.

The Genthe photo was torn from London's passport from The Cruise of tthe Snark (1911) and given by the author to Edith B. Williams, sister of Mrs. Bruce Cartwright, who had admired the "dash" of the portrait.