John Steinbeck (1902-1968) was an American author known for his poignant and socially conscious novels. Born in Salinas, California, Steinbeck drew heavily from his experiences in the agricultural region, which is reflected in many of his works. He gained widespread acclaim with Of Mice and Men (1937) and The Grapes of Wrath (1939), the latter of which won the Pulitzer Prize and depicted the plight of Dust Bowl migrants. Steinbeck's writing often explored themes of injustice, survival, and the human condition, characterized by his deep empathy for the common people. In 1962, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature, recognized for his keen social perception and enduring literary contributions.
