I took 3 classes from him from '76-78..Brilliant lecturer and political historian. Also saw action in WWII. Very saddened to hear of his death this year.
It is not surprising that the "pale and emasculated critical priesthood" of the east coast did not appreciate Steinbeck. The "tinhorn mendicants of low calorie despair" have zero understanding of the West or Westerners or the lives of anyone west of the Hudson. Steinbeck's writing style was plain and straightforward, unadorned and not particularly "literary," but he was a hell of a storyteller, better by far than the darlings of the cloistered elite, most of which writers are wan, whining, tiresome navel gazers and thoroughly forgettable. As evidenced by the fact that, almost a century after their publication, his books are still in print. And theirs aren't.
Starts at 8:17
Wonderful discussion on Steinbeck and California writers in general. I love these talks as I learn so much and not only about writers but about life.
I took 3 classes from him from '76-78..Brilliant lecturer and political historian. Also saw action in WWII. Very saddened to hear of his death this year.
Curious that Professor Carney was so incorrect when describing the mysterious woman in "The Snake". She made one visit and never returned.
Thanks!
It is not surprising that the "pale and emasculated critical priesthood" of the east coast did not appreciate Steinbeck. The "tinhorn mendicants of low calorie despair" have zero understanding of the West or Westerners or the lives of anyone west of the Hudson.
Steinbeck's writing style was plain and straightforward, unadorned and not particularly "literary," but he was a hell of a storyteller, better by far than the darlings of the cloistered elite, most of which writers are wan, whining, tiresome navel gazers and thoroughly forgettable. As evidenced by the fact that, almost a century after their publication, his books are still in print. And theirs aren't.