For the first time in one volume, the early California writings of one of America's greatest novelists have been collected, including the seminal works, Tortilla Flat and Of Mice and Men, tracing his early growth and evolution. 20,000 first printing.
| ||||||||||||||||||
Browse the best books of summer including blockbusters, beach reads, and editors' picks in our Summer Reading Store. |
Book Description
Frequently Bought Together
Product Details
Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images? |
More About the Authors
Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.
Customer Reviews
Share your thoughts with other customers
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
24 of 24 people found the following review helpful
By Assaf Tal
Format:Hardcover
This volume contains some of the earlier works of John Steinbeck. Steinbeck was a master of the English language and had the talent of using the least amount of words to convey the greatest amount of emotions. His stories are moving without being cheap. He is compassionate and had keen insight into his characters and the world at large.
Reviewing each story that appears in this volume is beyond the scope of this review, and you should check out that various titles individually. I will just say a few words about the collection in general. Steinbeck's earlier works are, in my opinion, better than his later, more ambitious works. While his later works can be viewed as some sort of social criticism, these earlier works are simply his personal salute to human nature. Steinbeck knew a basic truth about writing - if you want to write a great book, before you have a great theme, make sure you have great characters, and the rest will follow.
Steinbeck is both profound and very accessible at the same time, which I think is the trademark of a great author. He wrote for ordinary people (unlike, say, Joyce), and at the same time his works are complex enough to be appreciated by scholars. Whatever group you belong to, you will not regret reading this book.
Reviewing each story that appears in this volume is beyond the scope of this review, and you should check out that various titles individually. I will just say a few words about the collection in general. Steinbeck's earlier works are, in my opinion, better than his later, more ambitious works. While his later works can be viewed as some sort of social criticism, these earlier works are simply his personal salute to human nature. Steinbeck knew a basic truth about writing - if you want to write a great book, before you have a great theme, make sure you have great characters, and the rest will follow.
Steinbeck is both profound and very accessible at the same time, which I think is the trademark of a great author. He wrote for ordinary people (unlike, say, Joyce), and at the same time his works are complex enough to be appreciated by scholars. Whatever group you belong to, you will not regret reading this book.
13 of 13 people found the following review helpful
By Joe
Format:Hardcover
I have been a big Steinbeck fan for a long time now, and I have found the ultimate collection of his works in this book. It is perfect for the long time fan as well as the beginner. The long time fans will appreciate the collection as classic Steinbeck, whereas the newcomers can get aquainted with his works. From "The Patures of Heaven" to "Of Mice and Men", you get five different tales, and a good look at the range of Steinbecks abilities. With "In Dubious Battle" you can get a taste of things to come in "The Grapes of Wrath." From "To a God Unknown" you get a good look at Steinbecks religious studies. In all five tales, you clearly see the tremendous influence that California's Salinas Valley has had on his work. All I can say is that it is a must have for any library, or just for anyone that's interested in Steinbeck.
12 of 12 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Hardcover
I read chapter 6 of "The Pastures of Heaven" when I was a high school student. Since then, after thousands of short stories, I still find myself rereading Junius Maltby's story at least once a month. As part of the 'novel' it is the gravitational center. No one (Nabakov, Munro, Gallant) has ever achieved a short story with so much power. However, I still haven't figured out why?
9 of 10 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
This wonderful novella tells the ineffably sad tale of two itinerant farm laborers in Depression California. George Milton is a small wiry man, his traveling companion, Lennie Small, is a giant, but a simpleton. The two travel from farm to farm, one step ahead of trouble as Lennie's incredible strength and feeble brain continually land them in trouble. Other farm hands are struck by the rarity of finding such men traveling as partners, but Lennie and George have a dream, a dream of a better life. As soon as they can raise $600 they can buy a farm and be their own bosses and Lennie will get to raise the rabbits that he loves, but has a tendency to accidentally crush. Unfortunately, trouble awaits at the farm where they are headed. The ranch owner's son, Curley, can't control his new bride who has "the eye" or his own temper which flares up whenever she starts flirting with the hired hands.
This is one of those books you had to read in 9th grade, largely because it was by a famous author and it's short enough that teachers figure students might actually finish it. If you haven't read it since, give it another try. The relationship between George and Lennie is one of the most beautiful, and oft imitated, in all of literature and the themes of love, friendship, loyalty, courage and the dream of a better life are both timeless and compelling.
GRADE: A+
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By jehren
Format:Hardcover
Included in this compilation is the short story, Junius Maltby. Like another reviewer, I often pick this story up to reread- its just that good. Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful. I gain perspective every time I read it.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Hardcover
These five novels mark an incredible part of this country's history. Steinbeck was the most critical storyteller of the depression. In Of Mice And Men and In Dubious Battle, you truly understand the desparation of his times.
4 of 5 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
I recently visited Monterey and upon my return home, I became obsessed with Steinbecks novels as many of them focus on this beautiful city. This collection is a great reminder of lifes ups and downs, friendship, and perserverance. Very easy to read and relate to.
2 of 3 people found the following review helpful
By A. Smothers
Format:Hardcover
I purchased this book because it was the first place where I read my favorite story, Of Mice and Men. It was delivered within three days of purchase. I am very very satisfied in the book, and the experience
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great hard cover. fav author
Really a great job of presenting all the greats. You got to love it. gift for friends and family and myself.
Published 3 months ago by lynn
5.0 out of 5 stars
M.G.
Wonderful book. What can I say? Clean pristine book in great condition. Shipped fast and it's a great read. I will buy again from this seller. For any John Steinbeck fans.
Published 6 months ago by M.G.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Steinbeck = Good
The guy is the best writer ever. That's that. If you disagree with me, you are an idiot.
Published on May 23, 2008 by J. Mousaw
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great book
I love reading this bood I think that is a Great book to read for any one who love reading books.
Published on January 5, 2007 by J. Fandaousakis
4.0 out of 5 stars
Of mice and men
I read Of Mice And Men because of a school requirement. The themes of Friendship, Loneliness and dreams feature strongly in this book. Read more
Published on August 9, 2000 by celes
Citations (learn more)
This book cites 75
books:
See all 75 books this book cites
24
books
cite this book:
See all 24 books citing this book
- Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck on 6 pages
- To a God Unknown (Penguin Classics) by John Steinbeck on 5 pages
- In Dubious Battle (Classic, 20th-Century, Penguin) by John Steinbeck on 5 pages
- The Pastures of Heaven (Twentieth-Century Classics) by John Steinbeck on 4 pages
- The Grapes of Wrath (Penguin Great Books of the 20th Century) by John Steinbeck on 4 pages
See all 75 books this book cites
- John Steinbeck: A Centennial Tribute by Stephen K. George on 10 pages
- The Grapes of Wrath: Text and Criticism; Revised Edition (Critical Library, Viking) by John Steinbeck on 5 pages
- Orange Empire: California and the Fruits of Eden by Douglas Cazaux Sackman on 4 pages
- To a God Unknown (Penguin Classics) by John Steinbeck in Front Matter (1), Front Matter (2), and page 187
- The Short Novels of John Steinbeck: Critical Essays with a Checklist to Steinbeck Criticism by Jackson J. Benson in Back Matter (1), Back Matter (2), and Back Matter (3)
See all 24 books citing this book
What Other Items Do Customers Buy After Viewing This Item?
Sell a Digital Version of This Book in the Kindle Store
If you are a publisher or author and hold the digital rights to a book, you can sell a digital version of it in our Kindle Store.
Learn more
Listmania!
|
|
So You'd Like to...
|
|
