Synopses & Reviews
The final novel of one of Americas most beloved writersa tale of degeneration, corruption, and spiritual crisis
In awarding John Steinbeck the 1962 Nobel Prize in Literature, the Nobel committee stated that with The Winter of Our Discontent, he had resumed his position as an independent expounder of the truth, with an unbiased instinct for what is genuinely American.” Ethan Allen Hawley, the protagonist of Steinbecks last novel, works as a clerk in a grocery store that his family once owned. With Ethan no longer a member of Long Islands aristocratic class, his wife is restless, and his teenage children are hungry for the tantalizing material comforts he cannot provide. Then one day, in a moment of moral crisis, Ethan decides to take a holiday from his own scrupulous standards. Set in Steinbecks contemporary 1960 America, the novel explores the tenuous line between private and public honesty, and today ranks alongside his most acclaimed works of penetrating insight into the American condition. This Penguin Classics edition features an introduction and notes by leading Steinbeck scholar Susan Shillinglaw.
For more than sixty-five years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,500 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators.
Review
“[Shillinglaw is] a scintillating guide. Shillinglaw explores the novels layers of meaning, richly mining cultural context, history, and social thought, as well as Steinbecks own background, work process, and politics. The captivating result resembles an extended college lecture series, appealingly combining personal reflections and a conversational tone with accessible scholarship.”
—Publisher's Weekly (Book of the Week Selection)
"Shillinglaw provides, moreover, a richly detailed account of the growth of The Grapes of Wrath...This book will appeal to serious students of Steinbecks work, particularly those interested in his connection to ecology and the environmental movement."
—Library Journal
"A concise yet penetrating study of the genesis of the book and its interlocking themes...[Shillinglaw is] an astute critic."
—Bookpage
"Nobody whos ever managed to enjoy The Grapes of Wrath should miss this powerfully memorable little study of it."
—Open Letters Monthly
"Longtime Steinbeck fans and first-time readers alike will find much to enrich their understanding of The Grapes of Wrath in Shillinglaw's book."
—Tampa Bay times
"For those familiar with the novel, try reading this book and then return for a rereading of Steinbecks classic. You will find it a much more rewarding experience after you have pondered the contents of Shillinglaws book."
—The Salinas Californian
Synopsis
From a swashbuckling pirate fantasy to a meditation on American moralitytwo classic Steinbeck novels make their black spine debuts
In awarding John Steinbeck the 1962 Nobel Prize in Literature, the Nobel committee stated that with The Winter of Our Discontent, he had "resumed his position as an independent expounder of the truth, with an unbiased instinct for what is genuinely American.
Ethan Allen Hawley, the novel's protagonist, works as a clerk in a grocery store that his prominent family once owned. Without status in the town, his wife is restless, and his teenage children are hungry for the tantalizing material comforts he cannot provide. Then one day, in a moment of moral crisis, Ethan decides to take a holiday from his own scrupulous standards. In The Winter of Our Discontent, John Steinbeck, perhaps the master writer of the American working class, explores the cultural malaise of the 1960s and its far-ranging implications: social, familial, and personal.
Synopsis
One of todays foremost Steinbeck scholars writes an extended meditation on the influence of The Grapes of Wrath, to commemorate the 75th anniversary of its first publication
In this compelling biography of a book, Susan Shillinglaw delves into John Steinbecks classic to explore the cultural, social, political, scientific, and creative impact of The Grapes of Wrath upon first publication, as well as its enduring legacy. First published in April 1939, Steinbecks National Book Awardwinning epic of the Great Depression chronicles the Dust Bowl migration of the 1930s and the story of one Oklahoma farm family, the Joads, driven from their homestead and forced to travel west to the promised land of California. The story of their struggle remains eerily relevant in todays America and stands as a portrait of the conflict between the powerful and the powerless, in the souls of the people.”
Synopsis
Todays foremost Steinbeck scholar writes an extended meditation on the influence of The Grapes of Wrath, to commemorate the 75th anniversary of its first publication In this compelling biography of a book, Susan Shillinglaw delves into John Steinbecks classic to explore the cultural, social, political, scientific, and creative impact of The Grapes of Wrath upon first publication, as well as its enduring legacy. First published in April 1939, Steinbecks National Book Awardwinning epic of the Great Depression chronicles the Dust Bowl migration of the 1930s and the story of one Oklahoma farm family, the Joads, driven from their homestead and forced to travel west to the promised land of California. The story of their struggle remains eerily relevant in todays America and stands as a portrait of the conflict between the powerful and the powerless, in the souls of the people.”
About the Author
Susan Shillinglaw is a professor of English at San Jose State University and the 2012-13 President's Scholar. She has published widely on Steinbeck, including introductions to Penguin Classics editions of Steinbeck's works as well as A Journey into Steinbeck's California (2006) and Carol and John Steinbeck: Portrait of a Marriage (2013). From 1987 to 2005 she was the Director of the Center for Steinbeck Studies at San Jose State. Susan Shillinglaw is a professor of English at San Jose State University and the 2012-13 President's Scholar. She has published widely on Steinbeck, including introductions to Penguin Classics editions of Steinbeck's works as well as A Journey into Steinbeck's California (2006) and Carol and John Steinbeck: Portrait of a Marriage (2013). From 1987 to 2005 she was the Director of the Center for Steinbeck Studies at San Jose State.