The Grapes of Wrath/The Moon Is Down/Cannery Row/East of Eden/Of Mice & Man

by John Steinbeck

Five famous novels of John Steinbeck, 'that tremendous genius' as H.G. Wells called him, a Nobel prize winner and one of America's greatest writers, are included complete and unabridged in this volume.

Genres: Classics, Fiction, Literature, Collections, The United States Of America, American, Drama

950 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1952

About the author

John Ernst Steinbeck was an American writer. He won the 1962 Nobel Prize in Literature "for his realistic and imaginative writings, combining as they do sympathetic humor and keen social perception". He has been called "a giant of American letters."
During his writing career, he authored 33 books, with one book coauthored alongside Edward F. Ricketts, including 16 novels, six non-fiction books, and two collections of short stories. He is widely known for the comic novels Tortilla Flat (1935) and Cannery Row (1945), the multi-generation epic East of Eden (1952), and the novellas The Red Pony (1933) and Of Mice and Men (1937). The Pulitzer Prize–winning The Grapes of Wrath (1939) is considered Steinbeck's masterpiece and part of the American literary canon. By the 75th anniversary of its publishing date, it had sold 14 million copies.
Most of Steinbeck's work is set in central California, particularly in the Salinas Valley and the California Coast Ranges region. His works frequently explored the themes of fate and injustice, especially as applied to downtrodden or everyman protagonists.

Reviews

[Dean · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all please let me clarify that this review is only for Steinbecks masterpiece "Of Mice and Men"..
This means that the other novels in this volume aren't review this time..

Its a dramatic tale full of heavy feelings..
Lennie and George both wants lo live out the American dream..
They fall prey and succumb to prejudices, an hostile environment and their own human flaws and shortcomings!!

Steinbeck will not let the reader even for a moment out of his grip!!

Powerful written and with a strong and rich prose, Steinbeck creates colorful pictures and lasting impressions which will haunt the reader like flash of lights for a long, long time indeed..

I have eagerly devoured in a piece this novel..
Strong and vibrant put on paper by Steinbeck, but the real treat consists in the deep feelings of pain and desperation this novel evokes in the soul of the reader!!!

Heavily and dense written, brought atmospheric to paper, creating fascinating moods in the reader, and pregnant with deep and desperate feelings.. an unforgettable masterpiece..

I have suffered as an old dog is taken away to be shot in the head..
It has touched me so much because the fate of this dog like a mirror reflects our own sick views and flawed opinions which like a swamp swallows merciful and compassionate feelings of love and understanding..

Steinbeck has created a timeless story about losers and how they cling to their dreams!!
"Of Mice and Men" is a must-read for anybody who loves well written dramatic stories, and also wants to develop,improve and mold his character..

So, five well deserved stars..

Happy reading
Dean;)

[Della Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read 4 out of 5 of these at different times of my life. I know that The Grapes of Wrath is supposed to be the greatest of all of them but I actually think that I prefer the Trask family saga East of Eden, which, on one level, is a re-imagining of the story of Cain and Abel. The other family featured, the Hamiltons, may have been in part based on Steinbeck's own family

If you are interested in a movie version, the mid-fifties version with James Dean and Julie Harris is OK, though the Hamilton family and Cathy Trask are largely left out, and of course Cathy, evil as she is, is the most interesting character. If you want a more true-to-the book version, check out the 80s TV miniseries with Jane Seymour as Cathy.

[Daniel Schwamm · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read 'East of Eden' and found it to be perhaps the most exceptional novel I have ever read. Steinbeck's character development is exceptional and the way he weaves his themes throughout the entire work is masterful. There are many twists and turns which connects so deeply with us because this is true of life, we never know what's going to happen next. When this novel ended I was left in a state of awe and absolute worship of God and I just stopped, closed my eyes and meditated on the marvelous and life-giving lesson I had just witnessed. Beautiful.

[Phillip · Rating 4 out of 5]

Only read of mice and men. This is a must read.

[Erika Lynd · Rating 5 out of 5]

For GRAPES OF WRATH:

Steinbeck’s writing causes goosebumps to form on one’s skin—He understands the human endeavor as if he were outside of it. His words always find a way to cut to the heart.

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

It took me a while to get through this book simply because I put it somewhere and forgot it. This is my second time reading Grapes of Wrath (I have not yet read the other books novels in this book) and it honesty is one of the most poignant stories I have read in some time. The story of United States citizens being treated the same as illegal immigrants in this country are currently treated during the dust bowl brought tears to my eyes as my family were "Okies" or migrant farm workers who migrated to California from Oklahoma and Illinois when they lost their farms in the 1930's.

This story brought humanity to the story of people who immigrated, moved, or were refugees without any other hope of to better their lives and feed their children than to leave everything they know, the land that they love, their family and friends and community behind for the HOPE of a better life in a land that far away and the trials of that travel that is based only on HOPE and sheer determination. Only to get there and find that they are unwelcome.

[Anh TRAN · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is a review for of mice and man.
I never thought that I would like this book so much, but strangely, i really do. I got recommended this book from my cousin, saying it is a book from a Nobel prize winner laureate. And i was not left disappointed. A major part of this book is about how the two friends chase their dream to finally own the farm. The dream comes from being a story told so that a friend would shut up and behave, to becoming a dream for everyone, from the horse carer to the old cleaner. Yet, that dream that comes so easily, so much within reach is suddenly pushed away from the in a woosh, with the whole thing comes crashing down in a predicted accident. It is so casually cruel, yet, so much so in term with our daily lives.

[Julie Barrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

The moon is down by John Steinbeck
Had no idea what this book was even about, had just seen who it was by and knew I wanted to read it.
I'm often asked who I'd want to have dinner with and I would always pick John Steinbeck. Have read many of this other works and have enjoyed them.
This one is about wartime in Denmark and how the residents are treated, they band together, some are traitors. Didn't even know the country had coal mines and liked how the kids found the explosives in the snow.
His books make you think about things a bit more deeply.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can't say I've read all of this book but as it's the volume I own I thought I'd use it for my listing as I finished East of Eden this morning. Despite owning this book for more than 40 years ( a gift from my long-deceased father), I've still only read The Grapes of Wrath and East of Eden. I gave The Grapes of Wrath a 5-star review and think East of Eden is probably a 4.5. I've studiously avoided Of Mice and Men since being traumatised by the 1939 film as a child. For years, my older sister only had to say "Tell me about the rabbits" for me to burst into tears!

Found East of Eden very sad but an engaging read.

[Kyle Caswell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book. A vividly written and powerful story, really makes you feel like you are living through the depression right alongside its characters. My one critique is that it ends in a strange, abrupt way, with Rosasharn breastfeeding a starving old man. Maybe I just don't get it, like is does that symbolize the creation of the welfare state with the New Deal? The poor of America suckling the teet of the government? I don't know. Overall very good. Loved the Joad family, especially Ma and Tom who seemed to be the ones holding everything together.

[ForestGardenGal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anthology containing five books; I have reviewed each book individually under their own entries.

The Grapes of Wrath
The Moon Is Down
Cannery Row
East of Eden
Of Mice and Men

I can say that while the texts within this anthology are complete, the Table of Contents is incomplete, page numbering crazy, Chapter links missing, and even links to the start of each book completely missing! Thus, this ebook is readable if you want to read all five books straight through, but navigation can only be done once you make your own bookmarks for the five books and their internal chapters.

Overall, a good anthology, despite the table of contents issue. Several typographical or transcription errors, and most of those were minor enough not to render the text unreadable.

[Wallis Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many years have passed since my first reading of Steinbeck’s Mice and Men. Perhaps I was too young to have fully appreciated the power and depth of his writing although I have read most of his work. I am grateful to the new Great Books Council of northern California for their new project to examine banned books..

[Jane Sweatt · Rating 4 out of 5]

As heart wrenching as it was the first time probably as part of english class in high school. Oh my the people were beyond struggling to find a new life and ample work for pay and comfort. John Steinbeck was an incredible writer. I wonder who are his equals now.
J.

[Jc · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not exactly uplifting this story of an Oklahoma family’s move to California during the depression. At the end of each chapter you think that it cannot get worse but it does. This makes Dickens a writer of comedies.

[Davy Bennett]

Dark blue leather. Peerage Books. 1986.
Shakespeares in the Alley
but
Steinbecks on the Farm....

I read Grapes of Wrath as a very young man.
Read East of Eden as a pretty young man.

I am from James Dean's hometown, but the book is as good as the movie, and in a broader way.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great collection of Steinbecks best work.

Steinbeck is a great storyteller. This is a collection of his best work. The stories were long, but his storytelling is so compelling that you want to get to know these characters. Joyous reading.

[Neil · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Mount Rushmore of American literature.

[Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book recommend

[Veli Nayman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Idiot Lennie

[Hywel Dyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stories from an era long gone

Beautifully crafted stories from an era which has long gone. There's no happy endings though. Steinbeck holds up a mirror to our inner self.

[Dr.J.G. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Grapes Of Wrath:-


It is not easy to read, and I found it easier to see the film and understood better - but therefore all the more I value this work, not because it is difficult but because I could grasp it through the film.

And the film truly was great, especially when it came to the dialogue of mother and son at the end - and Henry Fonda forever marked his place amongst the great with his portrayal and his delivery in the last speech.

It is an entirely worthy, great - in the original sense of the word - work, and for anyone from US it is a must read because it is your own history, usually not told around in the fairy tale account of your country you get officially.

If you are not from US it is still a great work relating a part of history of US, and entirely worthy of reading. Difficult, yes. Great, absolutely.

The book deals with the depression in US that was devastating there, the beginning of an era in Europe that ended with millions killed in war and a sizeable few millions helpless killed by their own government in gas chambers and other ways of murder, and so on.

In all this the poor and the not so poor that became poor in US were almost forgotten, since the nation holds on to the myth that anyone who is willing to work must do well in that country.

This book for one exposes such myths.
..................................................................................



The Moon Is Down:-


.............................................................................................



Cannery Row:-


About the down and out and small fry and the manual labour workers and so forth, and their lives -
....................................................................



East of Eden:-


John Steinbeck is not only one of the most famous writers, and generally also a very respected one, but more than anything he transcends often from good writer to a great one. This is one of the works that is evidence of his quality that is at once magical and great both.

East Of Eden rises above the mundane and the unusual, the common and the evil, the different characters that it describes, by the good and the superlative, the aspiring human spirit and the calm, comprehending one; the courage of one and the silent tragedy of another.

It is not just the mirroring of Adam and Charles with slightly skewed images in Aaron and Caleb, and the questionable source of the money fo Adam's father mirrored in the beyond question source of Cathy's - it is the whole lot of people.

Especially Samuel and his whole clan, on one hand, with Adam's chinese housekeeper and cook on the other with his elders who went through years of learning to ponder on a question that had nothing to do with their ancestral culture. And found the answer, too!

It is Olive, with her stoic encouragement of a pilot she thought was in trouble; her sister who spread delight and peace and joy like a delicate but definite perfume in hearts and lives and brought smiles of expectation to those that expected to meet her, and herself died selently of a heartbreak. Another one who married an inventor, who went on trying, at the expense of making money - in fact spending all he had for his experiments.

Samuel's horse who had a grand name because he had nothing else. His wife who cared for her large family with the very little that their land could provide, and did not worry, only worked and provided and organised. Samuel who knew that Adam's Chinese housekeeper was more literate and erudite than his pretense to the contrary for sake of conforming to the local social prejudice, in order to blend into the background.

So many charcters unforgettable - and so many lessons implicit and otherwise.

Of course, one may complain Steinbeck went with the more socially acceptable norm, in depicting evil in the accepted form in prevalent cultural prejudicial terms of Christian and Islamic heritage, by personifying it as a female - while evil rages far more often and far more visibly out there in garb of male gender. Think nazis, think Stalin, think kkk, think paedophiles and other abusers.

But one cannot expect everything from everyone, and if Steinbeck did not rise above all of his upbringing limitations, he was only human.
.....................................................................................



Of Mice And Men:-



..................................................................................

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grapes of Wrath Review (8/12/12)
Gave 5 stars
The Grapes of Wrath is a poignant novel which follows the story of the Joad family.
I loved the symbolism of the story and the deep meanings and themes.
The ending is by no means a happy ending, but it ends on a positive and hopeful mood.
This is definitely one of my favorite Steinbeck novels. Steinbeck is a genius when it comes to depicting the how the characters actually feel and the hardships that they have to face. Another great American classic by Steinbeck. I like this book almost as much as I loved East of Eden. ;)


The Moon is Down Review (9/02/12)
Gave 4 stars
Interesting novella that follows the story about a "silent" rebellious coastal townspeople who have recently been conquered by an invading army. While the townspeople do not outwardly or actively rebel or resist, they look on to the invading army with cruel, cold, and un-trusting eyes which kills some of the invading army's soldiers. The dialogue was really creative and the characters were well-crafted.


Cannery Row Review (8/29/12)
Gave 3 stars
This novel is not plot-driven, but the story focuses more on delineating the town and characters of Cannery Row. Cannery Row is a good book for a quick read. As he always does, Steinbeck implies important short lessons about life in his story about the struggling between the rich and the poor.


East of Eden Review (8/31/10)
Gave 5 stars
I was astonished at how profound this book was. I loved how the symbolism of the biblical story between Cain and Abel was included. And despite this being the first time reading Steinbeck's work, I can totally see why he said that it was his best work. He transitioned the story so perfectly well (despite having so many characters). His meandering throughout the book necessarily added the effect of the story. The symbolism was creatively crafted into Cain and Abel. And, of course, East of Eden left an important message to its readers through a heartfelt, memorable story. *Timshel*

Although I admit being shocked when I first saw how inevitably long East of Eden was (I had to read it as a summer homework assignment), it was very entertaining as a matter of fact. It wasn't boring at all. I really didn't think of East of Eden as one huge, never-ending book anyways. East of Eden was really like a big collection of four books put together. Like a series of books.

I RECOMMEND TO EVERYBODY. REALLY ONE OF THE GREATEST AMERICAN MASTER PIECES EVER WRITTEN!


Of Mice and Men Review (2/02/11)
Gave 4 stars
I recommend to all Steinbeck reader fans. The ending is extremely sad, but Of Mice and Men is a worthwhile read that cannot be ignored.

The friendship between George and Lennie is extremely complex, and they have a genuine companionship that is not parasitic-but rather mutual-istic. Lennie needs George for intellectual and emotional support, but George leans on Lennie for enthusiasm and hope. Once their dreams of someday owning a rabbit farm are shattered, George has to man up in order to save Lennie from a painful torture and death.


General Review of all of these books
Short stories (under 200 pages):
The Moon is Down, Cannery Row, Of Mice and Men

Long chunk of a story (over 500 pages):
The Grapes of Wrath, East of Eden

Better of the bunch (my personal favorites):
The Grapes of Wrath and/or East of Eden

Best short story of the bunch:
Of Mice and Men

[Shelli Black Rose · Rating 3 out of 5]

A couple of these, I'd read as a teenager, so I thought it was about time I re-read them, to see if there was a different perspective as an adult. About all of the stories, I have to say that I was disappointed in the endings. I like for a story to actually be wrapped up at the end. I'm not a big fan of cliffhangers or endings where the reader is left to imagine what may have happened, unless there's a sequel. It's almost as if each story was ended mid-sentence! The stories themselves were great.

"The Grapes of Wrath" was much more difficult to read than I'd originally remembered (maybe I skimmed as a teen?). The thing I found the hardest to interpret was the dialect ... a southern, hillbilly-ish slang mixed with some old English. I'm sure it was perfectly natural back when the book was written, but it frustrated me a bit. The story itself was funny, insightful and heartbreaking. I found I could clearly see and feel the trials and tribulations of the Joad family as they made their way west. Each character was beautifully drawn out, and easy to picture in my mind. Even the scenery was vivid in my imagination, although at times it was a bit boring to read about. Of the 5 stories in the book, this was my favorite.

"The Moon is Down" was my least favorite. I don't generally like war stories, or stories about politics, so my opinion here is a bit biased. There were so many characters in this story, and none of them given an ample amount of description, and it made it very difficult to keep track of who was who, with the exception of the Mayor, his servants and one or two others. My favorite part of this story was the parachutes.

"Cannery Row" had me laughing from beginning to end. The trouble those guys would get themselves in was hilarious! Again, the characters were fleshed out very nicely.

"East of Eden" was an incredible story that seemed to go on forever. The first half of the story was a bit confusing, jumping back and forth from character to character, with no obvious connection between them. But once the connection was made, it flowed seemlessly. I loved every character, no matter if they were dull and lifeless in personality or if they were lively or evil. This is a story that would relate well in any time period. Everyone wants better for themselves and their children, and are willing to do just about anything for it. This is a must read story!

"Of Mice and Men" is a story like no other. I remember reading this in school, but I don't remember being as moved by it as I am now. George is a caring and selfless protector for Lenny. He is the type of man that all men should want to be. The story is a sad one, make no mistakes. The stable buck, Candy, Curly's wife ... they all share the same problem: lonliness. I felt the raw pain of each one of them. The story's ending broke my heart over and over again.

[1linfeng · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Of Mice and Men was a sad novel written by John Steinbeck. This story tell about two man Lennie and George being some reson must need to Leave their home and go to reach at up north. Most important part was happen in the farm. they has meet more character in farm, such as Curley and his wife, silm, candy and the carlson. they have different personality.

At the end of this story was so sad. Because I can feel what they feel and understand how did George feel form break his dream and kill his best friend. I don't have energy word to describe how I feel. If I am George, I don't know if I will change the end or doing same as george. He get a bad choice in this novel. All the people in the farm, they get not choice for their life.No hope! No dream! No Lennie any more! I can't think how hurt George was. whole Novel was exciting and sad, But it was one of my favorite novel.

The best things I like to read of this novel was the relationship between every character. The best example was Lennie and George. George always took care of Lennie-like a big brother would. Even thought Lennie got into lots of trouble, George didn't just leave him alone to overcome his challenges. What he did was help Lennie out of his difficulties and protect him. When Lennie was going to meet the boss of the farm, George told Lennie to remember to not say anythings. George Knew that If the boss heard Lennie speak, he might not let him work on the farm.George Always reminds Lennie what he can do and what he can't do. Even I finish whole novel and read George Kill Lennie at the end, I still think George are really like George and want to protect him. George was the only people who understand Lennie and care him. This kind of friendship was the best one I always want to have. Because I was break out with my friends. So, I has to feel envy toward about their friendship.
Another reason I like The Of Mice and Men was the setting of this book. Every character has different meaning and relate with the real society. Lennie are show the child life in early 1920s. George showing the working class's life. Curley's wife are represent the whole woman during that time. In 1920, all the worker might same as George. They work during their most life to get money for buying a house and they have same dream.


This novel bring me a lot thinking about life. Life always change and fast than our change. When you start to plan your dream and about your furture, but world already change. When we start to read this book, we read their dream and hope. But, at the end, all the hope are already broken. Nobody can change it.

[Joseph Sanchez]

its weird. and people that think this book is good, is very wise.
i recommend it to everybody i meet. because its a conversation starter.
who wouldnt want to be my friend?

i got a friend named changwoo in real life, but really in the book his name is lee chong.
and mac and the boys go on adventures, and they have some ups and downs.
doc meets frankie and they become good friends(or does frankie meet doc, hmmm?) i guess your just going to have to read the book to find out.. hey! throughout the book.
i thought, whoa this is good. i hope that you will read this book, because its about nothing. very random. for example blah blah blah.

but really its ridiculously about how life travels in front of your eyes so quickly. you have to live for the moment like mac, or you gotta live on the edge like mac (always running. . .)or like frankie always running or you have to love with money like lee chong, or kill yourself like horrace abbeville. or have a beer milkshake.

this book was murderous and lovely, or vise versa, idk.



. . . i lied.



[chorus:]




but really, have your kids read this. because the quality of words, movements, and theme
are the things that make your mind talk. very intelligent.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have never read anything by Steinbeck that I didn't like. Not only is he a master of pulling you into the interna psychologicall struggles of the main characters, like you were in their minds, struggling with them, but he also weaves different stories and lines of thought together into one story that only begin to reveal themselves when you gain enough wisdom and experience to see "the unhidden truth" . I read the Grapes of Wrath for the first time in the 4th grade (I remember because I did a book report on it when I switched schools and got an "F" because "the instructions" said to read a book from our grade school library - and that was too advanced to be in our library!) and it's been my favorite my whole life.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although I had read many Steinbeck novels throughout my life, a Stanford University Continuing Studies course allowed me to immerse myself in the world of John Steinbeck once again and I bought several anthologies of his work. Cannery Row is one of the most amusing novels you'll ever read - the story of Mack and the Boys and their frog hunt is roll-on-the-floor laughing out loud funny.

East of Eden is one of my top 10 novels of all time; I've re-read it several times and have watched each movie adaptation. The 1980's version with Jane Seymoure as Cathy is absolutely chilling.

A Steinbeck collection should be on your permanent shelves as each of his books is well worth reading over and over.

[Aladdin Elaasar · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read. Perfect with Silent Victims The Plight Of Arab & Muslim Americans In Post 9/11 AmericaThe Last Pharaoh Mubarak and the Uncertain Future of Egypt in the Volatile Mid East

[Antonia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I READ OF MICE AND MAN WHILE ATTENDING SCHOOL AND IT WAS ONE OF MY PROJECTS, AND WHEN I READ THAT BOOK, I WAS SO AMAZED AT THE COURAGE OF A MAN TO TAKE INTO HIS HANDS THE DRAMATIC LIFE OF
SOMEONE HE CARE FOR , AND PROTECT HIM FROM OTHER POEPLE IN AN INSTANT WHEN THE MAN WAS GOING TO BE KILL BY SEVERAL MEN ,AND SUFFER , BECAUSE THE MAN WAS MENTALLY ILL, AND WAS NOT AWARE OF HIS AGRESSION TOWARDS SOCIETY, THEREFOR COULD NOT UNDERSTAND

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, you know how I feel about Steinbeck. I wish I could write like him. I used to teach this book and believe that Steinbeck represents the depth and pain and beauty of the human spirit like no other author...I love the social commentary chapters in this book for their poetry (and I see them again in East of Eden), yet I do remember feeling (only during some points) that I wanted to get on with the story...