John Steinbeck

Date of Birth: February 27, 1902

Zodiac Sign: Pisces

Date of Death: December 20, 1968

Biography

John Ernst Steinbeck Jr. was an American author born on February 27, 1902, in Salinas, California. Steinbeck is widely regarded as one of the greatest American authors of the 20th century. He is best known for his novels “The Grapes of Wrath,” “East of Eden,” and “Of Mice and Men.” Steinbeck’s works often dealt with social issues, particularly those concerning the plight of the working class and the poor, and frequently explored themes of fate, injustice, and the human condition. Steinbeck attended Stanford University intermittently between 1919 and 1925 but left without obtaining a degree. He worked various odd jobs before achieving significant success with his writing. His first novel, “Cup of Gold,” was published in 1929, but it was “Tortilla Flat” (1935) that brought him his first taste of real acclaim. “The Grapes of Wrath,” published in 1939, won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction and was considered a major contribution to American literature. Steinbeck’s vivid portrayal of the hardships faced by migrant workers during the Great Depression struck a chord with many readers. In 1962, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature for his realistic and imaginative writings, combining sympathetic humor and keen social perception. Steinbeck was married three times and had two children. He continued to write prolifically until his death on December 20, 1968, in New York City.

5 Interesting Facts about John Steinbeck

1. John Steinbeck’s novel “The Grapes of Wrath” was banned and burned in some regions of the United States because of its social and political commentary.

2. He worked as a war correspondent during World War II for the New York Herald Tribune.

3. Steinbeck’s dog, Charlie, inspired his travelogue “Travels with Charley: In Search of America.”

4. He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1964.

5. Steinbeck’s unfinished work “The Acts of King Arthur and His Noble Knights” was published posthumously in 1976.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from John Steinbeck

1. “I wonder how many people I’ve looked at all my life and never seen.”

2. “I guess there are never enough books.”

3. “And now that you don’t have to be perfect, you can be good.”

4. “The discipline of the written word punishes both stupidity and dishonesty.”

5. “A journey is like marriage. The certain way to be wrong is to think you control it.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the height of his career, John Steinbeck’s net worth was estimated to be around $1 million, a considerable sum for an author of his time.

Children

John Steinbeck had two children. His first son, Thom Steinbeck, was born on August 2, 1944. His second son, John Steinbeck IV, was born on June 12, 1946.