Cup of Gold by John Steinbeck

Cup of Gold

by John Steinbeck

Steinbeck’s first novel and sole work of historical fiction—the violent, exciting story of the infamous pirate Henry Morgan

A Penguin Classic


From the mid-1650s through the 1660s, Henry Morgan, a pirate and outlaw of legendary viciousness, ruled the Spanish Main. He ravaged the coasts of Cuba and America, striking terror wherever he went. Morgan was obsessive. He had two driving ambitions: to possess the beautiful woman called La Santa Roja and to conquer Panama, the “cup of gold.” Cup of Gold is a lush, lyrical swashbuckling pirate fantasy, and sure to add new dimensions to readers’ perceptions of this all-American writer. This edition features an introduction by Susan F. Beegel.

For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,800 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators.

Reviewed by slytherclaw on

4 of 5 stars

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Ah summer, when thoughts turn to sun, surf and adventure on the high seas. Steinbeck's first novel is an interesting blend of history, historical fiction, and character study. A very well written account of the life, mostly fictional, of Henry Morgan one of the Caribbean's most infamous pirates and his sacking of Panama City, the titular Cup of Gold. Truth be told, this isn't what I was expecting from a book whose subject is piracy, but still an enjoyable read while soaking up the sun.

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  • Started reading
  • 8 July, 2013: Finished reading
  • 8 July, 2013: Reviewed