John Steinbeck (1902-1968) was an American author known for his powerful and socially conscious novels that often depicted the struggles of ordinary people during the Great Depression. He is considered one of the greatest American writers of the 20th century. Here are some key aspects of John Steinbeck's life and literary career:**Early Life and Education:**1. **Birth and Background:** John Ernst Steinbeck Jr. was born on February 27, 1902, in Salinas, California. He grew up in a region known for its agricultural and rural settings, which would later influence his writing.2. **Education:** Steinbeck attended Stanford University intermittently, studying marine biology and English literature. However, he left college before completing his degree to pursue a career in writing.**Literary Career:**3. **Early Works:** Steinbeck began his writing career as a freelance writer and journalist. His first novel, "Cup of Gold," was published in 1929.4. **Great Depression Novels:** Steinbeck gained widespread recognition for his novels set during the Great Depression. "The Grapes of Wrath" (1939) is perhaps his most famous work. It tells the story of the Joad family's journey westward in search of a better life during the Dust Bowl era.5. **Of Mice and Men:** Another notable work is "Of Mice and Men" (1937), a novella that explores the friendship between two displaced ranch workers during the Depression.6. **East of Eden:** Steinbeck's novel "East of Eden" (1952) is a sprawling family saga set in California's Salinas Valley. It is often considered one of his greatest achievements.**Social Themes:**7. **Social Realism:** Steinbeck's writing was characterized by its social realism and compassion for the plight of the working class and the disenfranchised.8. **Advocacy for Migrant Workers:** He wrote extensively about the struggles of migrant workers, and his work contributed to greater awareness and social reforms related to labor conditions.**Awards and Recognition:**9. **Pulitzer Prize:** Steinbeck won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction for "The Grapes of Wrath" in 1940.10. **Nobel Prize:** In 1962, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature for his realistic and imaginative writings, combining as they do sympathetic humor and keen social perception.**Later Life:**11. **Travels:** Steinbeck traveled extensively, chronicling his journeys in books such as "Travels with Charley in Search of America" (1962).**Legacy:**12. **Impact:** John Steinbeck's works continue to be widely read and studied for their exploration of social issues, human nature, and the American experience.13. **Cultural Influence:** Many of his novels, such as "The Grapes of Wrath," have been adapted into successful films and stage productions.John Steinbeck's literature remains relevant for its insightful examination of human struggles and its enduring social commentary. His ability to capture the essence of the American spirit and portray the human condition continues to resonate with readers around the world.
Measures 24 x 36.

Good condition. No major rips, tears, etc.