Critical Companion to John Steinbeck celebrates this preeminent American writer who in his works confronted and explored the social fabric of the United States in the early 20th century. More than 500 entries include synopses of his novels, short stories, and nonfiction; descriptions of his characters, from the Joad family in ""The Grapes of Wrath"" to Lennie Small in ""Of Mice and Men""; details about family, friends, and associates; information about film and television adaptations of Steinbeck's works; and discussions of places that influenced Steinbeck - from Salinas, California, to Paris, France.