LIFE BEFORE THE GRAPES

Steinbeck, John (1902–1968)

Tortilla Flat [Modern Library Edition | Illustrated by Ruth Gannett]

New York: The Modern Library, n.d. [later issue].

THE NOVEL THAT FIRST MADE MONTEREY PART OF AMERICAN LITERATURE.
Tortilla Flat established John Steinbeck as a major American novelist before the publication of The Grapes of Wrath.

Set among the paisanos of Monterey following World War I, the novel presents an affectionate, humorous, and occasionally poignant portrait of friendship, loyalty, and the simple pleasures of life. Its blend of folklore, comedy, and social observation earned the book widespread acclaim and remains one of Steinbeck's most enduring early works.

A California Myth.
Drawing inspiration from the structure of Arthurian legend while remaining firmly rooted in California's Central Coast, Steinbeck transforms the adventures of Danny and his companions into a modern pastoral. Rich in humor and humanity, the novel reflects the author's remarkable ability to elevate ordinary lives into enduring literature.

Modern Library Tradition.
This attractive Modern Library edition includes Steinbeck's foreword together with illustrations by Ruth Gannett. Issued in the publisher's distinctive turquoise cloth with the Kent endpapers and original dust jacket, it represents one of the classic twentieth-century Modern Library presentations.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Publisher's turquoise cloth, black spine panel lettered in gilt with Modern Library device stamped in gilt on the spine. Top edge stained blue. Octavo; 7 inches tall; [9], 316, [1] pages followed by 10 pages of publisher's advertisements. Illustrated by Ruth Gannett. Original unclipped Modern Library dust jacket priced $1.95.

CONDITION: Fine. No flaws or blemishes; appears unread. The dust jacket is Near Fine, retaining the original $1.95 price. The only notable flaw is a mildly sunned spine. An exceptionally well-preserved example.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The Making of Steinbeck —
Published in 1935, Tortilla Flat established John Steinbeck as a nationally recognized American novelist. Its commercial success and enthusiastic critical reception marked the beginning of the extraordinary run of books that included In Dubious Battle, Of Mice and Men, and The Grapes of Wrath; introducing the themes of place, community, and social compassion that would define his later fiction. 

Its vivid portrayal of Monterey established a literary landscape that Steinbeck would revisit throughout his career and helped launch one of the most important voices in twentieth-century American literature.

SUBJECTS: John Steinbeck, Monterey California, Paisanos, Depression-Era Literature, Classic American Fiction, Modern Library, Ruth Gannett, Twentieth-Century Literature, American Literature, Literary Fiction, California Literature, Modern Library Editions.

BIBLIOGRAPHIC REFERENCES: Goldstone & Payne, A Bibliographical Catalogue of the Adrian H. Goldstone Collection.; Hayashi, p4.

Item #22178

Price: $50.00