John Steinbeck was a prominent American novelist born in 1902 in Salinas, California. He gained international acclaim for his powerful novels depicting the struggles of working-class Americans during the Great Depression.
In 1962, Steinbeck was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature for his realistic and imaginative writings that combined sympathetic humour with keen social perception. Throughout his career, he wrote 31 books that explored social and economic issues, often drawing inspiration from his experiences in Monterey County, California.
Steinbeck is remembered as one of the most significant American writers of the 20th century, known for his compassionate portrayal of working-class life and his profound social commentary.
East of Eden – Summary East of Eden is a multi-generational saga set primarily in California’s Salinas Valley, spanning from the American Civil War to World War I. The novel intertwines the stories of two families: the Hamiltons and the Trasks. At its core, the narrative draws inspiration from the biblical tale of Cain and […]
The Grapes of Wrath – Summary The Grapes of Wrath tells the story of the Joad family, Oklahoma tenant farmers driven from their home by drought, economic hardship, and changes in the agriculture industry during the Great Depression. In search of a better life, they set out for California along with thousands of other “Okies”
Of Mice and Men – Summary Set against the backdrop of the Great Depression in California, “Of Mice and Men” tells the story of two migrant workers, George Milton and Lennie Small. George, intelligent but uneducated, acts as a protector and guide to Lennie, a large, strong man with a mental disability. The pair share
