**Originally Listed At $1500** North America, United States, New York, ca. 1916 CE. BAL 11964; Sisson & Martens p. 86. Wow! A remarkably rare first edition of "The Acorn Planter, A California Forest Play" by Jack London (American, 1876 to 1916) - 1 of only 1350 books printed! Published by the Macmillan Company in 1916, this play has been rebound in black leather with gilt lettering on the spine. The play deals with the central themes of the importance of agriculture and the continuance of life, stating at one point, "When you plant kindness you harvest kindness. When you plant blood you harvest blood. He who plants an acorn makes way for life. He who slays one man slays the planter of a thousand acorns." Written almost exclusively in poetic verse, the drama centers on a group of allegorical figures who are all members of the Nishinam tribe of California. These characters are Red Cloud (the philosopher chief of the tribe), the Shaman (who represents religion), the War Chief (who symbolizes warfare), and the Dew Woman (representing womankind). Size: 4.6" L x 0.9" W x 7.1" H (11.7 cm x 2.3 cm x 18 cm) Red Cloud and the War Chief continually fight for power throughout centuries of history, each persuading the Shaman and Dew Woman at different moments, until the tribe is eventually massacred by white invaders. London intended to stage this theatrical piece at the elite Bohemian Club s annual High Jinks to be performed as a musical with singers and an orchestra accompaniment. Born John Griffith Chaney, Jack London was an American novelist, journalist, and social activist who became one of the first American authors to gain international celebrity status. Considered an innovator of science fiction, London was a passionate advocate of unionization, workers rights, and socialism. He is most famous for writing "The Call of the Wild" and "White Fang," both set in the Klondike Gold Rush which London joined at the age of 21 in 1897. Provenance: private Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA collection All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids. We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience. #171377品相报告: Very good first edition book with new leather cover. Page before title page is loose. Stamp from University of California on title page.