The Log from the Sea of Cortez [J0440]

1995 PB reprint of the 1951 original, with minor wear. In the two years after the 1939 publication of Steinbeck's masterful The Grapes of Wrath, Steinbeck and his novel increasingly became the center of intense controversy and censorship. In search of a respite from the national stage, Steinbeck and his close friend, biologist Ed Ricketts, embarked on a month long marine specimen-collecting expedition in the Gulf of California, which resulted in their collaboration on the Sea of Cortez. In 1951, after Ricketts' death, Steinbeck reissued his narrative portion of the work in memory of his friend and the inspiration for Cannery Row's "Doc". This exciting day-by-day account of their journey together is a rare blend of science, philosophy, and high-spirited adventure. This Penguin Classics edition features an introduction by Richard Astro.

From recent Amazon/GoodReads reviews: "A curious and surprisingly fresh classic. A unique book, part natural history, part philosophy, part adventure story, and part humor. It is surprising how well it holds up after so many years. Steinbeck’s curiosity, intelligence, and dry wit make the journey through the Sea of Cortez feel alive, even decades later."; "Steinbeck as the chronicler of the voyage. He is a master of observation and documenting the absurd as well as the mundane spiced with his political and economic leanings. If you want to know what the riches of the sea were in his time - take a read and heed the lessons."; "Steinbeck's playful and compassionate musings on humanity, the rich descriptions of sun scorched coves and pueblo escapades, Ricketts' (sometimes tedious) lists of colorful nudibranchs and other creatures, their mutual hatred of the tempestuous Sea Cow. This book is a loving snapshot of a rich expedition and friendship."