John Steinbeck: The Grapes of Wrath and Other Writings 1936-1941: The Grapes of Wrath, The Harvest Gypsies, The Long Valley, The Log from the Sea of Cortez (Library of America) (Hardcover)

~ (Author), Robert DeMott (Editor), Elaine A. Steinbeck (Editor) "THE HIGH grey-flannel fog of winter closed off the Salinas Valley from the sky and from all the rest of the world..." (more)
Key Phrases: hunderd men, hunderd miles, harvest gypsies, Rose of Sharon, Billy Buck, Johnny Bear (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Now here is something special. This edition of Steinbeck's 1939 epic of the Joad family is a newly edited version based on his original manuscript, typescript, and proofs. Words omitted or misconstrued by typists have been restored to the text for the first time. This volume combines fiction and nonfiction works and includes the text of the 1938 collection of short stories, The Long Valley, which contains "The Red Pony." There is also The Log from the Sea of Cortez, which is Steinbeck's account of a marine biological expedition, and The Harvest Gypsies, his investigative report on migrant workers that inspired Grapes. This corrected text edition of The Grapes of Wrath is essential for all serious American literature collections, both academic and public.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Description

This second volume in the authoritative edition of John Steinbeck (with "Novels and Stories, 1932-1937") features the Pulitzer-Prize winning masterpiece "The Grapes of Wrath" in a newly corrected text based on the author's manuscript, typescript, and galleys. "The Harvest Gypsies is Steinbeck's investigative report on migrant farm workers which laid the groundwork for the novel. "The Long Valley" displays his brilliance with short stories, including such classics as "The Chrysanthemums," "Flight," and "The Red Pony." "The Log from the Sea of Cortez," about a marine biological expedition, combines science, philosophy, and adventure.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 1067 pages
• Publisher: Library of America; Library of America edition (September 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1883011159
• ISBN-13: 978-1883011154
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.2 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #88,996 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Grapes of Wrath, March 19, 1998

By	[e-mail] (Eugene, OR) - See all my reviews

Political statements are always dangerous: one either completely convinces a reader of one's argument or forever alienates them. And, unfortunately, the end result is rarely dependent upon the quality or force of argument made by the author, but rather entirely dependent upon the notions with which the reader entered the "discussion".

Knowing this, it seems that one has to be of a particular mindset in order to enjoy the novels collected in "The Grapes of Wrath and Other Writings 1938-1941". The novels of this compilation attack many of the ideals upon which this country was founded -- and they do so by looking closely at those who have never really benefited from those ideals. This attack is carried out most effectively in the most prominent of the packaged novels: Steinbeck's classic "The Grapes of Wrath."

At an abstract level, this particular novel is an impassioned plea for change ... one that left many readers at the time of its publication both angry and frightened, and resulted in the book being placed on many academic "Banned" lists, and caused Steinbeck himself to be branded by some as anti-American.

That said, it is my opinion that "The Grapes of Wrath" is one of the best novels ever written, because it tells the story of those most affected by the Great Depression - those who never had much in the first place. In particular, it focuses on the Joad family as they are forced to relocate to California, to try to find enough work to put food on the table. Along with thousands of other displaced sharecroppers they are lured by colorful handbills advertising great jobs for all. California becomes Mecca to the families, many of whom have literally been forced out of their homes. Desperate, the families sell all of their belongings, buy cheap cars, and begin the arduous journey. Many do not make it, and those who do find to their dismay that all is not as promised.

This is an extremely powerful novel. The reader comes to know the members of the Joad family and their friends as people, not just as characters in a story. We are able to identify with them as they suffer hardship after hardship. Written in an accessible style, and spellbinding throughout, this novel is certainly a deserving classic, and it dominates this excellent new collection of Steinbeck's fiction.

6 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A classic that is worth re-reading, March 20, 1998

By A Customer

I, like many, first read this _The Grapes of Wrath_ in high school. Then, it piqued a great curiosity about recent (this century) American history that my teachers could never satisfy. A recent re-reading, however, has shown me the great depth that I missed the first time. Read it slowly, savor the dogged, determined hopelessness that was life for many of our immediate ancestors. From the sad beginning to the desperate ending, it will teach you, and reach you.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Steinbeck is Amazing...All of it, December 30, 2007

By	J. Mousaw "p74atrick" (Syracuse, New York) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Amazon Verified Purchase

This volume is just as good as all the other Steinbeck volumes within the Library of America series -which is to say that this collection of stories and novels is second to none. Steinbeck was a force and the guy will change your life. Read this and people will actually smell you becoming smarter.