Description:

Upton Sinclair
Pasadena, CA, December 23, 1940
Upton Sinclair on Jack London, Corresponding with Joseph Noel in Salacious Letter
TLS

Upton Sinclair (1878-1968). A probing typed letter signed "U Sinclair" to Joseph Noel, commenting approvingly and identifying with him as a writer and with some parts of his recently published book. 1p, 7.5" x 10.5", Pasadena, CA, December 23, 1940. Light toning and flattened mailing folds, else very fine, with a bold signature in black ink as well as an autograph note at the lower left "Did the book sell?"

In 1940 writer, publisher, and dramatist Joseph Noel published a book "Footloose in Arcadia" described by The New York Times as "a reminiscent biographical sketch of Jack London". Fellow writer Upton Sinclair here writes to Noel congratulating him on the recently released book, "I found it intensely interesting and an excellent job". He goes on to relay that he "got some razzing" from many people because of his chapter on Jack London in "Mammonart" and that Noel's recounting of London in "Footloose in Arcadia" "supports everything that I have written, and of course it pleases me especially on that account." The letter also expresses surprise about the cause of a woman named Nora's suicide, which Noel presumably revealed in his book, and to gossip about a few other literary figures. Nora probably refers to poet Nora May French, who committed suicide in George Sterling's home; the letter in the same paragraph mentions "George".

Upton Sinclair was an influential American writer and muckraker journalist most known for writing "The Jungle", a 1906 exposé on the meatpacking industry. His other works include novels, "The Money Changers" (1908), "King Coal" (1917) and "Oil!" (1927). He was also a socialist organizer, who led the Great Depression era End Poverty in California (EPIC) campaign, and an aspirational politician.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous other auction houses.

WE PROVIDE IN-HOUSE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE!

  • Dimensions: 10.5" x 7.5"
  • Medium: TLS

Accepted Forms of Payment:

ACH, American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Unless otherwise indicated, we do our own in-house world-wide shipping!

Applicable shipping and handling charges will be added to the invoice. We offer several shipping options, and remain one of the few auction houses that proudly provides professional in-house shipping as an option to our clients. All items will ship with a signature required option, and full insurance. Most items are sent via Federal Express, with P. O. Box addresses being sent through USPS. We insure through Berkley Asset Protection with rates of $.70 per $100 of value, among the lowest insurance rates in the industry. Our shipping department cameras document every package, both outgoing and incoming, for maximum security. In addition, we compare our shipping and handling rates against those of other auction houses, to ensure that our charges are among the lowest in the trade.

Upon winning your item(s), you will receive an invoice with our in-house shipping and handling fees included. ***We will ship to the address as it appears on your invoice. If any changes to the shipping address need to be made, you must inform us immediately.***

International shipments: In order to comply with our insurance provider, all international shipments will be sent via Fed Ex and customs paperwork will show a value of $1.00. International buyers should contact our office directly with any questions regarding this policy.

Third-Party Shipping Option: If a third-party shipper is preferred, the buyer is responsible for contacting them directly to make shipping arrangements. For your convenience, we have provided some recommended shippers. For your protection, we will require a signed release from you, confirming your authorization for us to release your lots to your specified third-party. At that point, our responsibility and insurance coverage for your item(s) ceases. Items picked up by third-party shippers are required to pay Connecticut sales tax. Items requiring third-party shipping due to being oversized, fragile or bulky will be denoted in the item description.

Please see our full terms and conditions for names of suggested third-party shippers.

After payment has been made in full, University Archives will ship your purchase within 10 business days following receipt of full payment for item.

Please remember that the buyer is responsible for all shipping costs from University Archives' offices in Wilton, CT to the buyer's door. Please see full Terms and Conditions of Sale.

October 8, 2025 10:00 AM EDT
Wilton, CT, US

University Archives

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 25% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $299 $20
$300 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $2,999 $200
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 + $5,000