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

by Susan Shillinglaw (Author), Nancy Burnett (Photographer)
Key Phrases: cannery row, marine station, red pony, Pacific Grove, John Steinbeck, Los Gatos (more...)

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

Product Description

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.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: Roaring Forties Press (February 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0976670623
• ISBN-13: 978-0976670629
• Product Dimensions: 7.5 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 (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #617,323 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 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)

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.

1 of 1 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

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.

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

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.