A Journey into Steinbeck's California (ArtPlace series) [Paperback]

Susan Shillinglaw (Author), Nancy Burnett (Photographer)

Book Description

Series: ArtPlace series | Publication Date: February 1, 2006

This part art book, part biography, and part travel guide offers insight into how landscapes and townscapes influenced John Steinbeck's creative process and how, in turn, his legacy has influenced modern California. Various types of readers will appreciate the information in this guide—literary pilgrims will learn more about the state featured so prominently in Steinbeck's work, tourists can visit the same buildings that he lived in and wrote about, and historians will appreciate the engrossing perspective on daily life in early 20th-century California. Offering an entirely new perspective on Steinbeck and the people and places that he brought to life in his writing, readers will find delight in this depiction of the symbiotic relationship between an author and his favorite places.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This amazing book explores Steinbeck's relationship with the area he both loved and hated."  —Offbeat Travel

"Provides a treat for both literary detectives and armchair travelers."  —

TravelSmart

"A warm portrait of a man by someone who has the ability to see California through his eyes."  —Suite 101.com

"A rich portrait of Steinbeck's California . . . excellent historical background. . . . Lavishly  illustrated."  —Janet Ross, former librarian, Sparks Branch Library, Nevada

"This is undoubtedly one of the most useful, delightful and enlightening books ever published on Steinbeck."  —Steinbeck Studies

"Generous enough with both text and pictures (modern photos by Nancy Burnett mixed with quality historical photos) to satisfy the armchair traveler."  —Worducopia

About the Author

Susan Shillinglaw is a scholar in residence at the National Steinbeck Center in Salinas, California, and a professor of English at San Jose State University, where she was also the director of the Center for Steinbeck Studies for many years. She was a consultant to Harpo Productions for Oprah's website on East of Eden, and has consulted for popular media such as Good Morning America, the Discovery Channel, and A&E. She is the coauthor of How to Organize a Steinbeck Book or Film Discussion Group and a coeditor of Beyond Boundaries: Rereading John Steinbeck and Steinbeck and the Environment. She lives in Los Gatos, California. Nancy Burnett has been photographing the California landscape for more than 30 years. She is the producer of The Shape of Life and Strange Days on Planet Earth for PBS, coproducer of the photographic exhibit Sea Stars for the Smithsonian, and coauthor of The Shape of Life. She lives in the Carmel Valley in California.

Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: Roaring Forties Press (February 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0976670623
• ISBN-13: 978-0976670629
• Product Dimensions: 6.2 x 7.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,154,651 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful biography -- with an emphasis on place, May 22, 2006

By 

Karen Mckeown "Steinbeck fan" (Berkeley, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A Journey into Steinbeck's California (ArtPlace series) (Paperback)

I bought this book for my folks--who were planning a visit through California--and ended up reading it myself. I've been to the Steinbeck Institute (and loved it) in Salinas, but this book has a broader scope and takes you to the places in California where Steinbeck grew up and lived, as well as the places that appear in his books. I heartily recommend it for any Steinbeck fan.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars You don't have to be in CA to enjoy this book, July 14, 2006

By 

Karen (California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Journey into Steinbeck's California (ArtPlace series) (Paperback)

While this book works wonderfully as a travel guide for your visit to California's Salinas, Carmel and the Monterey Peninsula, it is equally enjoyable when you read it from the comfort of your armchair at home. The vivid pictures, poetic descriptions and interesting sidebars help Steinbeck's California come alive to diehard Steinbeck fans and the uninitiated alike. Beware though, because after reading Shillinglaw's book, you'll want to read all those Steinbeck books you missed in high school and college.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Steinbeck's Monterey comes alive, June 10, 2006

By 

Carol - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Journey into Steinbeck's California (ArtPlace series) (Paperback)

Last weekend our family had a great time on vacation in Monterey. Following Steinbeck's story as it intertwined with places and people in Monterey made my walks around town alive with history. We spent part of a day in Pacific Grove and loved looking at pictures of the past incarnation of present buildings and sites. Definitely added a rich dimension to our trip.