“Give a critic an inch, he’ll write a play” (Steinbeck) - Criticism

In 1998, when the Modern Library published its list of the 100 best novels of the 20th century, it sparked considerable debate over what is and isn't a great novel. Exactly a third of the titles on the list of 'best' novels, including 6 of the top 10, have been removed or threatened with removal from bookstores, libraries and schools at some point. Among this controversial list The Grapes of Wrath was seen as number ten on the list, had been one of the most vilified works since its publication in 1939.

Libraries in St. Louis took to the banning of the book upon its publishing by burning the book. New York Libraries were quick to ban the book citing vulgar language. This was followed by several other libraries banning the book for many of the same reasons.

At one time or another several of John Steinbeck were banned by the United States and or individual groups for their content among other things. These books include Of Mice and Men and East Eden. These bans include high schools from 2003 running up to 2008 in Illinois, Iowa and Pennsylvania (Marshal University Libraries)

"I am impelled, not to squeak like a greateful and apologetic mouse, but to roar like a lion out of pride in my professiori" (Steinbeck) - Ways writing is unique

John Steinbeck is a fascinating author.  He is quirky, has a unique world view and a broad understanding of the American spirit.  His work ranges in fiction, nonfiction, drama and film.  He is also very political in his writings.  He says, "I am basically, intrinsically and irresistibly a Democrat."  He was also a correspondent during World War II for the Harold Tribune.  John Steinbeck's characters are fascinating to Hollywood.  Many of his works have become classic Hollywood movies.
Today, nearly four decades after his death, all of Steinbeck's novels are in print, and collectively sell a combined total of more than 700,000 copies a year.
Steinbeck "wrote" in his mind before committing words to paper; his manuscripts have almost no changes.
Steinbeck was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1962 "for his realistic and imaginative writings, combining as they do sympathetic humor and keen social perception."

Reference: http://www.oprah.com/oprahsbookclub/john-steinbecks-biography

"Ideas are like rabits. You get a couple and learn how to handle them, and pretty soon you have a dozen" (Steinbeck) - Comments on Writing

Steinbeck quotes:
"We are lonesome animals.  We spend all our life trying to be less lonesome.  One of our ancient methods is to tell a story begging the listener to say - and to feel - 'Yes, that's the way it is, or at least that's the way I feel it.  You're not as alone as you thought.'"
"The profession of book writing makes horse racing seem like a solid, stable business."
"The writer must believe that what he is doing is the most important thing in the world.  And he must hold to this illusion even when he knows it is not true."
"In utter loneliness a writer tries to explain the inexplicable."
"I have written a great many stories and I still don't know how to go about it except to write it and take my chances."
"Although it must be a thousand years ago that I sat in a class in story writing at Stanford, I remember the experience very clearly.  I was bright-eyes and bushy-brained and prepared to absorb the secret formula for writine good short stories, even great short stories.  This illusion was canceled very quickly.  The only way to write a good short story, we were told, is to write a good short story..."
Reference: http://kvwordsmith.wordpress.com/2009/08/14/john-steinbeck-quotes-writing-advice/

" I will revenge myself in the creulest way you can imagine. I shall forget it " ( Steinbeck) - Fun Facts

·Fascinated with King Arthur Tales

· Hollywood loved works to create into movies

· When won the Nobel Prize in 1962, feared prize spelled the end of his career

· Steinbeck’s 2 most necessary things in life were work and women

· A chain smoker till his death. Liked to have late-night snacks of chili, tuna fish on crackers and red wine.

· Has his own museum, The National Steinbeck Center, located in Salinas, CA – the only museum in the US dedicated to a single author.

References: www.enotes.com/john-steinbeck-salem/john-steinbeck-0270000287

www.buzzle.com/articles/john-steinbeck-facts.html

"Your bound to get idears if you go thinkin' about stuff" (Steinbeck) - Notable works

Tortilla Flat (1935; film, 1942)

In Dubious Battle (1936)

Of Mice And Men (1937; films, 1939, 1999)

"As happens sometimes, a moment settled and hovered and remained for much more than a moment. And sound stopped and movement stopped for much, much more than a moment."
— John Steinbeck (Of Mice and Men)

The Red Pony (1937; film, 1949)

The Grapes Of Wrath (1939, Pulitzer Prize; film, 1940)

"You're bound to get idears if you go thinkin' about stuff"
— John Steinbeck (The Grapes of Wrath)

The Moon Is Down (1942; film, 1943)

Cannery Row (1945; film, 1982)

"Being at ease with himself put him at ease with the world."
— John Steinbeck (Cannery Row; Sweet Thursday)

The Pearl (1947; film, 1948)

The Wayward Bus (1947; film, 1957)

Burning Bright (1950)

East of Eden (1952; film, 1955)

"I believe that there is one story in the world, and only one. . . . Humans are caught—in their lives, in their thoughts, in their hungers and ambitions, in their avarice and cruelty, and in their kindness and generosity too—in a net of good and evil. . . . There is no other story. A man, after he has brushed off the dust and chips of his life, will have left only the hard, clean questions: Was it good or was it evil? Have I done well—or ill?"
— John Steinbeck (East of Eden)

The Winter of Our Discontent (1961)

"I wonder how many people I've looked at all my life and never seen."
— John Steinbeck (The Winter of Our Discontent)

Travels with Charley (1962)

"What good is the warmth of summer, without the cold of winter to give it sweetness."
— John Steinbeck (Travels with Charley: In Search of America)

"You can only understand people if you feel them in yourself" (Steinbeck) - Background

Father: German. Bookkeeper, manager and eventually treasurer of Monterey County.

Mother: Irish. Loved art, liked stories of fantasy and enchantment. Teacher.

Full name: John Ernst Steinbeck, Jr.

Born: February 27, 1902

Birthplace: Salinas, CA

Deceased: December 20, 1968 (age 66)

Spouses: Carol Henning (divorced); Gwyndolyn “Gwyn” Conger (divorced); Elaine Scott

Children: Thomas “Thorn” Myles Steinbeck; John Steinbeck IV, both with Gwyndolyn Conger

Works: 27 (16 novels, 6 non-fiction books, 5short stories collections)

Major awards: Pulitzer Prize Fiction Award – The Grapes of Wrath (1940); Nobel Prize for Literature (1962); United States Medal of Freedom (1964); Trustee of John F. Kennedy Memorial Library (1964)

"I guess there are never enough books."
— John Steinbeck

References:  http://www.oprah.com/oprahsbookclub/the-life-and-times-of-john-steinbeck
www.buzzle.com/articles/john-steinbeck-facts.html