John Steinbeck: A Centennial Tribute

(Hardback)

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Description

The biggest names in Steinbeck studies share both personal and critical views on Steinbeck's concept of fiction, his spirituality, his vast international appeal, his ambiguous portrayal of women, and the future of Steinbeck criticism. A feast for scholars and enthusiasts alike, this book offers the most varied picture of the Nobel Prize-winning novelist to date. Reminiscences from Steinbeck's sons, wives, and closest friends, including Arthur Miller, Burgess Meredith, John Kenneth Galbraith, and Tom Wolfe, offer valuable insights his life, demonstrate the scope and depth of his influence, and give scholars useful biographical information. The biggest names in Steinbeck studies share both personal and critical views on Steinbeck's concept of fiction, his spirituality, his vast international appeal, his ambiguous portrayal of women, and the future of Steinbeck criticism. A feast for scholars and enthusiasts alike, this book offers the most varied picture of the Nobel Prize-winning novelist to date. John Steinbeck's writings are among the most widely read works of American fiction. Though his novels have always been popular with general readers, critics expressed surprise when he was awarded the Nobel Prize in literature, and some scholars have been quick to dismiss his works as more appropriate for high school students than for undergraduates. In recent years, however, there has been a growing recognition of Steinbeck as a serious writer, and a correspondingly large body of scholarship has been published about him. One hundred years after his birth, this book offers a valuable perspective on Steinbeck's achievements and the future of his work.

Reviews

"From Thom Steinbeck's "My Father, John Steinbeck" to John Disky's "John Steinbeck--Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow," A Centennial Tribute is hard to put down--a wonderfully insightful look into the Steinbeck persona."-Art Ring educator, author, Cannery Row Foundation Board
"From Thom Steinbeck's wonderful reflections on his complex, famous father through an extraordinary range of testimonials and delightful stories about John Steinbeck to contemporary critical appraisals, this is a remarkable collection. Here is Steinbeck the father, friend, neighbor, and artist. It is a fitting tribute to a writer destined not merely to remain in the world's imagination but to grow in stature as we move more deeply into this new century and we bend more closely over the fine print of his life's work."-Louis Owens
"Stephen George has assembled a splendid collection on Steinbeck, one that should go a long way toward restoring his place in American literature as a writer of the highest caliber. . . . Anyone interested in Steinbeck and his world must own this important book."-Jay Parini author, John Steinbeck: A Biography
"The approval of one's peers tells us much--more even than the revilings of one's enemies. This is a good book."-Edward Albee
"These memories of John Steinbeck offered by colleagues and friends evoke a remembrance of time past to the reader as well. A valuable addition to any library of Steinbeck fans."-Studs Terkel Author, Pulitzer Prize recipient
"This compilation of important articles and essays on Steinbeck's life and work is a carefully selected anthology that offers a wide spectrum of understanding the literary legacy that Steinbeck has left us. The Centennial collection is a boon to other writers, students and educators alike."-Lee Richard Hayman Trustee, National Steinbeck Center Steinbeck collector and scholar
[a]n impressive selection of personal reminiscences drawn from the celebrated author's sons, wives, and closest friends....John Steinbeck: A Centennial Tribute is a seminal and very highly recommended collections of revealing and insightful observations embracing the totality of Steinbeck's literary legacy.-Library Bookwatch
John Steinbeck: A Centennial Tribute is an impressive selection of personal reminiscences drawn from the celebrated author's sons, wives, and closest friends....Taken collectively, John Steinbeck: A Centennial Tribute is a seminal and very highly recommended collection of revealing and insightful observations embracing the totality of Steinbeck's literary legacy.-Internet Bookwatch
Stephen George. in this marvelous centennial tribute, keeps Steinbeck alive and makes readers even more aware that Steinbeck is timeless. Through George's mosaic depiction of Steinbeck's life and times, readers become even more alive as they are warmed by the "flame" and reverently "remember him."-JASAT
"an impressive selection of personal reminiscences drawn from the celebrated author's sons, wives, and closest friends....John Steinbeck: A Centennial Tribute is a seminal and very highly recommended collections of revealing and insightful observations embracing the totality of Steinbeck's literary legacy."-Library Bookwatch
"[a]n impressive selection of personal reminiscences drawn from the celebrated author's sons, wives, and closest friends....John Steinbeck: A Centennial Tribute is a seminal and very highly recommended collections of revealing and insightful observations embracing the totality of Steinbeck's literary legacy."-Library Bookwatch
"Stephen George. in this marvelous centennial tribute, keeps Steinbeck alive and makes readers even more aware that Steinbeck is timeless. Through George's mosaic depiction of Steinbeck's life and times, readers become even more alive as they are warmed by the "flame" and reverently "remember him.""-JASAT
"John Steinbeck: A Centennial Tribute is an impressive selection of personal reminiscences drawn from the celebrated author's sons, wives, and closest friends....Taken collectively, John Steinbeck: A Centennial Tribute is a seminal and very highly recommended collection of revealing and insightful observations embracing the totality of Steinbeck's literary legacy."-Internet Bookwatch

Author Bio

STEPHEN K. GEORGE is Professor of English at Brigham Young University, Idaho. He has published some 30 articles and book reviews in such places as Steinbeck Studies and Steinbeck Yearbook.