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"Surely his most interesting, plausibly his most memorable, and... arguably his best book" —The New York Times Book ReviewFor John Steinbeck, who hated the telephone, letter-writing was a preparation for work and a natural way for him to communicate his thoughts on people he liked and hated; on marriage, women, and children; on the condition of the world; and on his progress in learning his craft. Opening with letters written during Steinbeck's early years in California, and closing with a 1968 note written in Sag Herbor, New York, Steinbeck: A Life in Letters reveals the inner thoughts and rough character of this American author as nothing else has and as nothing else ever will."The reader will discover as much about the making of a writer and the creative process, as he will about Steinbeck. And that's a lot." —Los Angeles Herald-Examiner"A rewarding book of enduring interest, this becomes a major part of the Steinbeck canon." —The Wall Street Journal
This collection investigates the internal development and creative philosophy of John Steinbeck through his personal correspondence. The volume compiles letters spanning the author's entire career, providing a primary source record of his views on social conditions, his personal relationships, and the technical challenges of his craft. By eschewing the telephone in favor of written communication, Steinbeck documented his intellectual evolution and the specific pressures of his professional life.
What You Will Find
Scope Limits
Critics and scholars frequently identify this collection as a foundational text for understanding Steinbeck's personal character and professional methodology. Readers often note that the prose is accessible yet dense with historical and creative context, making it a significant addition to the study of American literature.
Page Count:
928
Publication Date:
1989-04-01
Publisher:
Penguin Books
ISBN-10:
0140042881
ISBN-13:
9780140042887
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