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Travels with Charley in Search of America
(Penguin Classics Deluxe Edition)
Series: Penguin Classics Deluxe Edition
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Format: Paperback / softback
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At age 58, Steinbeck and his poodle, Charley, embarked on a journey across America. This chronicle of their trip meanders from small towns, to growing cities, and to glorious wilderness oases.
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Description
John Steinbeck's Travels with Charley in Search of America is an evocative and personal narrative capturing the vibrancy, diversity, and spirit of America during a transformative era. In the autumn of 1960, driven by a yearning to reconnect with the land he chronicled so vividly in his literary career, Steinbeck embarks on a cross-country journey. Armed with Rocinante, his custom-designed pickup truck named after Don Quixoteβs noble steed, and accompanied by Charley, his affable French poodle, Steinbeck sets forth on a soul-searching adventure that covers nearly forty states.
From the tranquil landscapes of New England to the scenic stretch of the Midwest, Steinbeckβs travels expose him to the rich tapestry of American lifeβfrom its settings to its people. He meanders through Minnesota's rolling terrains, embraces the expansive skies of Montana, and experiences the urban energy of Chicago. The journey becomes a love affair with natureβs splendour and a candid exploration of the American ethos.
The narrative poignantly reflects on the cultural and societal dynamics of the time, including the resonant and, at times, unsettling civil rights events witnessed in the southern states. Steinbeck confronts the stark realities of racial segregation amidst the charged atmosphere of New Orleans and beyond, offering readers his unfiltered observations and heartfelt reflections.
This deluxe 50th-anniversary edition of Travels with Charley in Search of America from Penguin Classics beautifully commemorates Steinbeck's journey, featuring the striking original cover art and exquisitely illustrated maps by Don Freeman, which trace his route. Enhanced with a thoughtful introduction by renowned author Jay Parini, this edition invites renewed examination and celebration of Steinbeck's travel memoir.
Distinguished by its French flaps and deckle-edged pages, this edition appeals not only to collectors and longtime Steinbeck enthusiasts but also to new readers eager for an authentic portrayal of America at the cusp of a new era.
For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the preeminent publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world, embracing a global literary heritage with over 1,700 titles. Penguin Classics endures as the trusted collection providing authoritative texts augmented by insightful introductions and annotations from esteemed scholars and modern authors, alongside fresh translations by award-winning translators.
Series: Penguin Classics Deluxe Edition
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Travels with Charley in Search of America
John Steinbeck's Travels with Charley in Search of America is an evocative and personal narrative capturing the vibrancy, diversity, and spirit of America during a transformative era. In the autumn of 1960, driven by a yearning to reconnect with the land he chronicled so vividly in his literary career, Steinbeck embarks on a cross-country journey. Armed with Rocinante, his custom-designed...PaperbackSold Out
Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?
Reviews praise Travels with Charley in Search of America as a delightful and profound journey, highlighting Steinbeck's rich and sensory portrayal of America and its people. The book intertwines vibrant travel narratives with insightful essays, reflecting on themes like ageing and awe-inspiring nature. It captures a vivid picture of human nature in the twentieth century, offering an honest and moving account from one of America's great writers.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9780143107002
Publisher: Penguin Putnam Inc
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 02 October 2012
Country: United States
Imprint: The Penguin Press
Contributors:
- Introduction by Jay Parini
Audience: General / adult
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 16.0mm
Width: 146.0mm
Height: 214.0mm
Weight: 278g
Pages: 240
About the Author
John Steinbeck (1902β1968) was born in Salinas, California. He worked as a laborer and a journalist, and in 1935, when he published Tortilla Flat, he achieved popular success and financial security. Steinbeck wrote more than twenty-five novels and won the Nobel Prize in 1962.
Jay Parini teaches English at Middlebury College and is the author of five novels, including The Last Station. He lives in Vermont.
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