Notes

- Steinbeck was born in Salinas, California on February 27th, 1902
- He was of English, German, and Irish descent
- Steinbeck's father worked as a treasurer while his mother was a former school teacher, and this is presumably where he got his passion for reading and writing
- Steinbeck lived in a small rural valley about 25 miles away from the pacific coast, and he would spend his summers working on nearby ranches or with the migrant workers
- It was while working here that he learned about the harsher aspects of migrant life and human nature in general, which led to some of most his more famous works such as "Of Mice and Men" and "The Grapes of Wrath"

- Steinbeck graduated from Salinas High School in 1919 and was the school's class president
- He would then go on to attend Stanford University in order to study English Literature, but left without receiving a degree in 1925
- He then traveled around the country from the years 1925 - 1930, working odd jobs while he continued to write; during this time he would meet his first wife Carol Henning in California
- Together, they lived in a variety of places while finding different ways to make money
- Eventually, the two of them moved into Steinbeck's father's cottage, where they received free housing and small loans that allowed him to keep writing without having to search for jobs
- During the Great Depression, Steinbeck bought a small boat, living off of fish from the sea and vegetables from local gardens
- After these resources were all depleted however, Steinbeck and Henning began accepting welfare
- this is a picture of the Steinbeck family cottage that he lived in for a period of time

- In 1930, Steinbeck would go on to meet marine biologist Ed Ricketts
- From the years 1930 - 1936, the two became close friends, forming a bond over their love of music and art
- Ricketts became a close friend/mentor that taught him about philosophy and biology
- Together, Steinbeck learned about biology while Ricketts learned about ecological philosophy
- Both Steinbeck and his wife ended up working at Ricketts lab, with his wife becoming the secretary bookkeeper, and Steinbeck himself helping Ed on an informal basis

- Steinbeck's first novel "Cup of Gold" was published in 1929, a story loosely based on the life and death of a privateer named Henry Morgan
- Between the years 1930 and 1933, Steinbeck published three shorter works titled: "The Pastures of Heaven", "The Red Pony", and "To a God Unknown"
- These three novels each had their own unique successes and are still relevant to this day
- Steinbeck's first critical success came with "Tortilla Flat", a novel published in 1935 that was renowned for providing readers with escapism during the
Great Depression
- It was said to have acted as "a welcome antidote to the gloom of the prevailing depression", and was adapted into a film in 1942
- Steinbeck then went on to write a series of "California Novels" and "Dust Bowl Fiction", some of which becoming his most popular works. Some titles included: "In Dubious Battle", "Of Mice and Men", and "The Grapes of Wrath"

- These are quotes that reflect both Steinbeck's personality and his writing style. They focus on his opinion of human nature, and summarizes the tone of many of his novels

- Next is a video that covers some interesting facts about John Steinbeck that helps to elaborate further on both his personality and character