John Steinbeck was a celebrated American writer famous for his novel, ‘The Grapes of Wrath’
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John Steinbeck was a celebrated American writer famous for his novel, ‘The Grapes of Wrath’
John Steinbeck born at
John was married thrice, first with Carol Henning, in the year 1930, whom he divorced after twelve years of matrimony.
In 1942, he married Gwyndolyn Conger, with whom he had two sons, Thomas and John, but the relationship did not last long, and the couple separated after six years.
Steinbeck met American actress Elaine Scott in America, and got married to her in 1950.
John Ernst Steinbeck Jr. was born to Olive Hamilton and her husband John, in the Salinas municipality of the Monterey County, California, on February 27, 1902. His father was a treasurer for the government of Monterey County.
The young boy was raised as an Episcopal Christian, but he later became a sceptic. The rural area in which he was brought up later became the backdrop for most of his literary works.
In 1919, he completed his education from the 'Salinas High School', and went on to pursue a degree in Literature from the 'Stanford University'. He however dropped out and moved to New York City, where he earned a living by running small errands.
In the late 1920s, he came back to his home town, having failed to find a job as a writer, and began working as a guide for tourists, and a mannequin manufacturer. This was the period when global economic crisis ensued, and faced by the 'Great Depression', John struggled to make a living for himself and his family.
In 1930, he met marine biologist and writer, Ed Ricketts, who became a close friend, and served as a model for several of Steinbeck's characters.
Steinbeck brought out his debut novel, titled 'Cup of Gold', in the year 1929. The book however was not received well by readers across the country.
In 1932, he published the book, 'The Pastures of Heaven', which comprised of twelve short stories that were linked to each other. The next year, he wrote 'The Red Pony' and his second novel, 'To a God Unknown', both of which were only moderately successful.
It was only in 1935, that John tasted success with the novel, 'Tortilla Flat', which used Monterey, California as its backdrop. The novel, 'Tortilla Flat', set after the World War I, was a hit with both critics as well as his readers.
The same year, he became a member of the 'League of American Writers', where he was inspired by the works of Communist writers, Ella Winter and Lincoln Steffens.
In 1936, he produced the first book of the 'Dustbowl' trilogy, 'In Dubious Battle'. The book talks about a protest led by Californian fruit pickers, and aided by the assumed 'Communist Party'.
'The Grapes of Wrath' is considered to be one of Steinbeck's greatest literary achievements. It is because of this book, that he earned the 'Pulitzer Prize' and the 'National Book Award' in 1940. This book, which has seen sales of more than fourteen million units, has been made into a movie featuring Jane Darwell and Henry Fonda.
John Steinbeck was a famous American author known for his novels of rustic settings, like 'Of Mice and Men', 'Tortilla Flat', 'The Grapes of Wrath', and 'East of Eden', amongst several others. This talented writer has inked as many as sixteen novels amongst a total of twenty-seven publications. A 'Nobel Prize' and 'Pulitzer Prize' winner, this writer took time to achieve success in life, but hardships faced along the way did not hamper his determination. Most of his works are set in California, where he was born and raised. He drew inspiration for his characters from people he came into contact with each day. Particularly close and influential was his friend, marine biologist, Ed Ricketts. The novel, 'Tortilla Flat', was the first successful book, and from then on, each literary work produced by this great writer has achieved critical success. Blunt and crisp in its tone, his books have also been the subject of controversy, often being banned, particularly in schools, for its use of obscene language. In the late 20th century, this writer became one of the most banned authors around the world. Years after his death, he is still considered one of the pioneering writers of American classics. Read on to know more about this writer’s life and works
Information | Detail |
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Birthday | February 27, 1902 |
Died on | December 20, 1968 |
Nationality | American |
Famous | Author, Atheists, Atheists/Agnostics, Nobel Laureates In Literature, Communists, Stanford University, Writers, Novelists, Short Story Writers |
Ideologies | Communists |
Spouses | Carol Henning, Elaine Anderson Steinbeck, Gwyndolyn Conger |
Siblings | Elizabeth Steinbeck Ainsworth, Esther Steinbeck Rodgers, Mary Steinbeck Dekker |
Known as | John Ernst Steinbeck, Steinbeck, John, John Ernst Steinbeck Jr. |
Childrens | John Steinbeck IV, Thomas Steinbeck |
Universities |
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Notable Alumnis |
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Birth Place | Salinas |
Gender | Male |
Father | John Ernst Steinbeck |
Mother | Olive Hamilton |
Sun Sign | Pisces |
Born in | Salinas |
Famous as | Author |
Died at Age | 66 |