Author won Nobel Prize for Literature in 1962
John Steinbeck was born in Salinas, California, in 17 February
1902. After studying English at Stanford University, he held
several jobs including working as a hod-carrier, apprentice
painter, laboratory assistant, ranch hand, fruit-picker,
construction worker at Madison Square Gardens, New York, and
reporter for the New York American. In 1935 he became a full-time
writer and was a special writer for the United States Army Air
Force during World War II.
Among his most renowned works are Of Mice and Men, Cannery Row,
East of Eden and The Grapes of Wrath, which won the Pulitzer Prize
in 1940.
In 1926 Steinbeck was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature as a
mark of his outstanding contribution to literature, his
unquestionable popularity and his versatility. In his speech
accepting the Nobel Prize, Steinbeck gave his view of authorship:
'The ancient omission of the writer has not changed. He is charged
with exposing our may grevious faults and failures, with dredging
up to the light our dark and dangerous dreams for the purpose of
improvement. Furthermore, the writer is delegated to declare and to
celebrate man's proven capacity for greatness of heart and spirit
for gallantry in defeat - for courage, compassion and love.'
John Steinbeck died on 20th December 1968.
Journey with the Joads for 21 hours in this first unabridged version of Steinbeck's classic. Controversial, even shocking, when it was written, the work continues to be so even today. The keen listener can hear why, because it poses fundamental questions about justice, the ownership and stewardship of the land, the role of government, power, and the very foundations of capitalist society. As history, this brings the Dust Bowl years to life in a most memorable way. Steinbeck (Travels with Charley, Audio Reviews, LJ 11/15/94) is a master storyteller and manages to engage the listener's sympathy with this epic story. Reader Dylan Baker, who gives each character a distinctive voice, draws the listener in. His female characters, especially the minor ones and Rose of Sharon, don't seem as authentic as his wonderful evocation of the fictional Tom, Ma, and Pa. But his voice is easy to listen to, and he is faithful to the characters' backgrounds and the plains region. The music that ends each individual tape is perfect for the story. This program is a well-produced, affordable, and worthwhile addition for any library with a serious audiobook collection.‘Nancy Paul, Brandon P.L., WI
 |
Ask a Question About this Product More... |
|
