John Steinbeck’s Sweet Thursday, published in 1954, is a sequel to Cannery Row. Set in the years following W.W.II, the novel reintroduces us to the people and places of Monterey, CA, that Steinbeck brought to such vivid life through Doc, the protagonist in his earlier book: Mack and the Boys, Dora and Fauna, past and present owners of the local brothel, The Bear Flag Restaurant, Joseph and Mary Rivas and the Golden Poppy Diner. (According to Steinbeck, "Sweet Thursday" is the day between Lousy Wednesday and Waiting Friday). Steinbeck (1902-1968) was born in Salinas CA, in the middle of the fertile farming valley 25 miles from the central California coast with its fishing and canning industry. Much of his work takes place in these two microcosms of working class men and women in Depression era and post war America. During his productive career, Steinbeck wrote 16 novels including Grapes of Wrath, East of Eden and Of Mice and Men. In 1962, he was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature, much to his surprise and that of critics and the literary establishment. When asked if he deserved the prize, Steinbeck said “no.” But eschewing grand themes and profound philosophy, Steinbeck’s extraordinary prose captured the soul of common people of his time with sympathy, humor, and clarity. Condition: Book, a fine tight copy, even yellowing to the pages, slight stain to rear board, red top edges uniform. Dust Jacket, Very good condition, slight water stains top and bottom, minor chips and smudges from use. Dimensions: 8.5" x 5.5".