John Steinbeck called him a "Giant of American Letters". Despite ongoing attacks on his literary reputation, Steinbeck's works continue to sell well and he is widely taught in American and British schools as a bridge to more complex literature. Works such as "Of Mice and Men" are short and easy to read, and compassionately illustrate universal themes that are still relevant in the 21st century. Steinbeck grew up in California's Salinas Valley, a culturally diverse place with a rich migratory and immigrant history. This upbringing imparted a regionalistic flavor to his writing, giving many of his works a distinct sense of place.
Elaine Anderson Steinbeck Elaine Anderson Steinbeck Elaine Steinbeck (1914 – April 27, 2003) was an American actress and one of the first women to become a theatre stage manager. She was previously known as Elaine Anderson during her acting career. While married to actor Zachary Scott she was also known as Elaine Scott, and after her marriage to author John Steinbeck she was known as Elaine Steinbeck. Anderson was born in 1914 in Austin, Texas. On February 21, 1934, she married actor Zachary Scott whom she met while they both studied in the University of Texas at Austin theatre program. Anderson studied drama