William Souder Boeken

A biography of one of America's most popular and misunderstood authors, John Steinbeck.

Recognized as a New York Times Notable Book of 2012, this work stands out for its compelling narrative and engaging themes. It explores intricate character dynamics and offers a thought-provoking perspective on contemporary issues. The author skillfully weaves together personal stories and broader societal commentary, creating a rich tapestry that resonates with readers. Its critical acclaim highlights its significance in modern literature, making it a must-read for those interested in profound storytelling.

"A biography of one of America's most popular and misunderstood authors, John Steinbeck. This first full-length biography of the Nobel Laureate to appear in a quarter century explores John Steinbeck's long apprenticeship as a writer struggling through the depths of the Great Depression, and his rise to greatness with masterpieces such as The Red Pony, Of Mice and Men, and The Grapes of Wrath. His most poignant and evocative writing emerged in his sympathy for the Okies fleeing the dust storms of the Midwest, the migrant workers toiling in California's fields, and the laborers on Cannery Row, reflecting a social engagement--paradoxical for all of his natural misanthropy--radically different from the writers of the so-called Lost Generation. A man by turns quick-tempered, contrary, compassionate, and ultimately brilliant, Steinbeck took aim at the corrosiveness of power, the perils of income inequality, and the growing urgency of ecological collapse, all of which drive fierce public debate to this day"-- Provided by publisher

Traces the life of John James Audubon, his efforts to record the wild birds of North America, and his fifteen-year struggle against a conventional scientific establishment to find a publisher for his masterwork, "The Birds of America."