Mad at the World: A Life of John Steinbeck

John Steinbeck's biography explores his apprenticeship as a writer, his rise to greatness with masterpieces such as "The Red Pony," "Of Mice and Men," and "The Grapes of Wrath," and his sympathy for the Okies, migrant workers, and laborers on Cannery Row, reflecting a social engagement different from the Lost Generation.

Format: Hardback
Length: 464 pages
Publication date: 13 November 2020
Publisher: WW Norton & Co

This comprehensive biography, the first of its kind in over 25 years, delves into the life and career of John Steinbeck, the esteemed Nobel Laureate. It traces his journey from his early struggles as a writer during the depths of the Great Depression to his ascent to greatness with renowned works such as "The Red Pony," "Of Mice and Men," and "The Grapes of Wrath." Steinbeck's writing was particularly poignant and evocative when he expressed 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. This social engagement, in contrast to his natural misanthropy, was a radical departure from the writers of the so-called Lost Generation.

Steinbeck, known for his quick-tempered nature, contradicting personality, compassionate spirit, and ultimately brilliant mind, aimed his writing at the corrosive effects of power, the dangers of income inequality, and the pressing urgency of ecological collapse. These topics continue to spark intense public debate and reflection to this day.

Throughout his career, Steinbeck received numerous accolades and awards, including the Pulitzer Prize for "The Grapes of Wrath" and the Nobel Prize in Literature. His works have been translated into numerous languages and have profoundly impacted readers worldwide, leaving a lasting legacy as one of the most influential and celebrated writers of the 20th century.

Weight: 866g
Dimension: 166 x 242 x 35 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780393292268