Steinbeck and Covici is a major contribution to the literature about John Steinbeck. "Steinbeck Quarterly" magazine wrote, "Thomas Fensch offers the first comprehensive account of one of John Steinbeck's most enduring, intimate, and important relationships: his association with his editor, Pascal Covici. The results are revealing, and broaden the dimension of Steinbeck studies." This book was first published in l979 and received not one, but two separate reviews in "The New York Times." It was also widely reviewed elsewhere and won the Book of the Year Award in Biogaphy from the Ohioana Library Association, in l980. Out of print in recent years, it has been re-published as part of the New Century Books "Exceptional Lives" series.