John Steinbeck Primary Sources

Historical documents. What clues can you gather about John Steinbeck, the time, place, players, and culture?

The Harvest Gypsies

Excerpts from a 7-part article Steinbeck wrote for the San Francisco News in 1936.

Nobel Prize acceptance speech

Steinbeck's speech after receiving the 1962 prize for literature.

Nobel Prize presentation speech

Remarks of Nobel Prize presenter Anders Osterling.

FBI file

FBI documents regarding surveillance of John Steinbeck

Pigasus

A note from Steinbeck's wife explaining Pigasus, his personal symbol.

John Steinbeck Map of America

A Steinbeck-inspired mural by Molly Maguire