Did John Steinbeck Plagiarize "The Grapes of Wrath"?

[@chrisball3778]

A lot of people would probably have taken getting screwed over like that very badly and got bitter. It's awesome that Sanora Babb just picked herself up and carried on doing what she loved and helping others. I was so glad to her she saw Whose Names Are Unknown published before she died- when you said how long it was after it was written that was at the beginning, I was expecting that it had come out posthumously. It's great she clung on so long and got at least a bit of the credit she was due. I'll definitely try to read it.

[@_supersolar]

Sounds like real villain is Random House. The capitalists decided 'we can only maximize profit off *one* book about the plights of the poors, so no publish :)'. America, land of the fee o7

[@KuLaydMahn]

"Land of the *fee*" I dont know if that was intentional but I like that!

[@kacperNFS]

Land of the Tip

[@quelorepario]

Hey it is an expensive venture, especially back then, if it is a flop the publisher loses lots of money maybe falling into bankruptcy. Also her reputation might have taken a hit, especially when a famous writer publishing almost the same work, she might have been accused of being derivative or even worse as a plagiarizer by the PR machinery that attempted to protect Steinbeck's interests, so you never know how that would have affected her in her career, she might have never had one. Getting her work discovered this late may have been a blessing in disguise that allowed her to be recognized objectively placing her rightful place in history.

[@thebrutusmars]

@@quelorepario Random House ain’t gonna fall into bankruptcy lmaoo

[@nunyabusiness1232]

"So why haven't we heard of her. So here is this woman..." DING DING DING!

[@alexjohnson9798]

yeah sure bub

[@tubeblower7391]

As a Steinbeck fan, I was a little nervous during the video that a favorite author was going to be shown to be a monster actually. I’ll definitely put Babb’s book on my reading list. Your reading recommendations have yet to disappoint

[@malcolmhill6534]

As a Steinbeck fan I prefer “Who’s Names Are Unknown” to “The Grapes Of Wrath”. I hope you’ve picked up Babb’s book.

[@marissashantez6051]

You must realize this is nothing but alt left wishful thinking. Of course he didnt plagiarize it.

[@dvision4203]

The Hive is buzzing as the queen bee presents her latest creation

[@noizetv4240]

Petting her cat on her lap, Zoe Bee was shaping into a fine super villain.

[@johnjordan3552]

Steinbeck is a bad influence on her

[@gwendlevs.everything9178]

For over two decades The Grapes of Wrath has been on my “I really should read this” list, but I never have. I’ve never even gotten as far as buying a copy. Now I’m buying Whose Names are Unknown instead, and I feel excited rather than obligated to read it. Thank you.

[@Lily-ni5po]

The Grapes of Wrath was my dad's favorite book. But then he was a union man. I wish he was still here. He would have loved to read Whose Names Are Unknown if it was translated.

[@unacomn]

My god, that is a huge cat.

[@richardwilliams877]

HIS NAME IS DESMOND 😍😍😍😍😍

[@beautifulcarpetdiagram]

Or a small tiger

[@marcoscarrasco92]

@@beautifulcarpetdiagram True. A large cat would be more ferocious

[@unacomn]

@@beautifulcarpetdiagram True, true.

[@SylviusTheMad]

Or a tiny person.

[@altyrrell3088]

My grandfather bought a farm near the east coast ahead of the dust bowl. My father, aunts and uncles thought of themselves as very lucky, even during the great depression. I want to read Sanora Babb's novel, partly because Zoe Bee recommends it, and partly to get a better understanding of my own family. Thank you, Zoe.

[@97LifeMelody]

Zoe is seriously underrated. This is aweosme!

[@ThatDangDad]

Great video, ZB! It makes me wonder how many other fascinating lives out there came and went with no one to record them, how many unseen manuscripts and drawings and paintings and songs have been stuffed in desk drawers, sold off at estate sales, and thrown away thoughtlessly.

[@zoe_bee]

An infinite amount. Such a vast amount that if I think about it too much I'll never recover. And I think that's why I focused on Sanora Babb. Because she is one incredible person that I can hold on to and - hopefully - help memorialize her.

[@grmpEqweer]

Yup. Tons.

[@jsalnut]

Thanks for the closed captions!

[@qwerty1qwerty1123]

Hey Zoe, I'm a subscriber and Patreon from the other side of the world to you. I just thought you'd like to know that my 70+ year old mother who is not at all overly "online" was reading this book and I told her I'd heard about it online and she linked me your video about it! Glad that both your and Babb's content is starting to get the recognition it deserves.

[@trudigoodman4825]

I was the co-editor of a small literary journal. I have heard of Sanora Babb. Blame Tom Collins. The truth is that John Steinbeck was supportive of other writers. I'd have a hard time believing that he would rip someone else off. John Steinbeck lived in poverty for many years before he became successful. He fought for that success. He was not a shmuck. I would be more than happy to read anything that she has written. As a woman who is in the creative arts field, I've been jacked up a few times by arrogant men. I am also reminded of another woman writer who is not well known and just as good a writer as her famous brother, Isaac Bashevis Singer: Deborah Edelstadt. Singer made sure that her work was pulled from publication. He had that power at the time. He was a shmuck. A few years back The National Yiddish Book Center published a novel by Ms Edelstadt. Thank you for putting this information and video together. Take care!

[@raptorkvn]

My wife loves Grapes of Wrath so Whose Names are Unknown seems like a great gift idea for her!

[@alexaflowers3732]

I wish all my english teachers made me cry like you make me cry.

[@sirearlgrey2036]

Great timing. I'm currently rereading some Steinbeck books because I feel like I was too young to appreciate them when they were required reading in school. I'll have to give Babb a look too!

[@its_nat_I_guess]

Getting home from a hard days work to see a new Zoe Bee video is a great feeling

[@3tangents]

I knew there was a woman who wrote a book before The Grapes of Wrath which could arguably be called the original, and that she had a more authentic relationship with the situations she was writing about. I had no idea she had such an incredible life outside of that, and that she'd gone on to write even more. Thank you for talking about her life, and for avoiding the temptation to oversimplify history and make an individual villain out of a systemic injustice.

[@3tangents]

Also, nice green ribbon. I have one too.

[@brianarbenz7206]

I'm blown away by learning of her. Thank you for enlightening us in your usual sincere and forthright way.

[@hannahb1298]

Thank you so much for telling her story. I actually got chills during this video… she was an amazing woman. Adding her book to my reading list ♥️

[@bellachristoffersen7126]

This was a really, really fantastic one. Thanks for makin it

[@TvGoBang]

this is why I signed up. It was when you said "her people". I got that from one of your poems and I come from the hard scrabble so can recognise it. Her people. Our people. OHHHHH Poems ! Thank you

[@mishapurser4439]

Thank you for making this video. Babb's book is definitely going to be on my reading list. BTW, I've recently gotten into writing poetry and taking it more seriously. I might even try to publish some day.

[@anonymousguy121277]

Remind me in a few years when you've published some poetry. We'd all like to read it.

[@davidhuster2700]

I just ordered the book as soon as you said the title. Thanks

[@groofay]

What a story. I'm definitely adding this book, and Sanora Babb overall, to my list. She sounds like a remarkable woman and author.

[@hope7317]

the poems/haikus you wrote for your patrons are so wonderfully written! i adore them

[@bradleystreet5690]

WOW. What a incredible story! Thanks for signal boosting this author. She sounds so amazing! I have to try and get a copy of this.

[@patrickgreene5028]

Love this. Just found Babb's book to listen right after finally reading The Grapes of Wrath. Super excited to hear this amazing woman's voice. I really needed a new hyperfocus/special interest to drown all my friends in details with.

[@EpicPrawn]

Dagger Earrings, precious cat, AND historically underscored writers? 11/10

[@Littlemangomama]

What an inspiring woman! Thank you for giving a shining light to her story❤❤❤

[@dacedebeer2697]

I had actually heard this story. I am not an American and English is not my first language, but Steinbeck is my favorite author. While I am sure her notes were integral to the plot of the book the heart of the book itself comes from the discussions about life and existence, the comedic yet tragic depiction of people living in the edges of society, which are always an integral part of any Steinbeck book, be it The Pearl, Of Mice and Men, Cannery Row or The Grapes of Wrath. Thanks for sharing ms. Babb's story though. She led a very interesting life.

[@sharonskains5049]

Thank you for this video and for presenting the facts about this author. I was introduced to you by my grand nephew, and you are one of the best gifts he ever gave me. I also like your cat.

[@jomes7644]

This video is very pog. So pog that this is my 2nd time watching it today. Thanks for making a pog video, Zoe!

[@simonlindsell1267]

What an absolutely heartbreaking story - I mean, her book WAS eventually published, but...💔 You're right, though - this needs to be a film and you really should be involved with it 🙏

[@zoe_bee]

I would LOVE to. It would be a dream.

[@designerdancer94]

Thanks for this great video Zoe! Really enjoyed learning about the history here and I’m excited to add Babb’s work to my reading list 🙂 (also, 2 unrelated things: 1. The sound quality was really nice on this video and I really appreciate having the CC option again! 2. Love the green ribbon choker - reminds me of a very odd but fabulous book I used to read all the time as a kid!) I hope you’re taking time to rest and take care of yourself in between each video. Looking forward to the next one and wishing you well in the mean time! All best 💕

[@LV-ii7bi]

I couldn't stop paying attention to the neck-stabbing swords while watching your video. Great literary journalism Zoe!

[@thepoliticallyambidextrous678]

You have a "hypnotizing" like voice that puts me to sleep with ease. I thank you for that. To be clear, I mean it as a compliment. I fell asleep to one of your videos last night and I'm about to fall asleep to this one. Your voice is a cure to my insomnia. Bonne nuit 🌃

[@brianarbenz7206]

It's the kitty cat's big strapping furry presence that hypnotized me.

[@alexd1696]

I always appreciate seeing any discussion Babb, though the video could probably have done without the tabloid title. I'll be happy when literary circles manage to discuss her writing as though it has some merit of its own, and without constant reference to other writers. Also worth shouting out Joanne Dearcopp at Muse Ink Press who was the primary force behind the eventual publication of Whose Names Are Unknown, and who has worked tirelessly to get everything Babb ever published back into print.

[@JBOBloedsinn]

The cat purring was so incredibly calming throughout the video.

[@dalishrogue3621]

As a lit student who focuses on American modernism, I love stuff like this!

[@rickc2102]

Thank you so much for this! Thinking about migrant labor, I'd like to give a shoutout to a book by Tomás Rivera, ...y no se lo tragó la tierra (and the earth did not devour him). Very modern, very moving.

[@ZahnZee]

I remember you agonising on twitter over what to call this; I have to say, you nailed the title.

[@author_page]

New York Publishing Industry: Your book is slightly like another book that's making money right now. We can't print it. Hollywood: All movies are Marvel now.

[@radiantchristina]

Great video. I feel like I want to read all of her works now. Thank you for sharing !

[@JohnsAdamT]

I hope you end up writing a screenplay for this biopic, great video!

[@kanguruster]

I really enjoyed this one. A wonderful telling of a terrific story. Thank you so much.

[@clairekarin9668]

One of my fav vids so far, so touching, such a cool specific story, such a great nugget of history!! Thank u and keep em coming 💖💖💖

[@hiruni5983]

I can't believe how long its taken me to find this channel! Love the content sooo much, I've watched multiple of the videos many times over!! Keep up the amazing work Zoe :)

[@joannasthings]

im calling it now, its Karl Marx

[@ariespisces7965]

Hahaha!

[@catarinabarbosa2247]

that's next video

[@amellirizarry9503]

based ✊🏴

[@aservant1284]

Lol

[@DEarls-ye9tz]

🙄

[@leonschultz8544]

Amazing Video as always Zoe. It's an important story and I am glad you shared it. I'll try to get a copy of the book, it sounds excellent! Also oh my god those earrings, amazing

[@lorenzobastia4043]

OMG I was wondering around in search of this week episode and found it hidden in the playlist. 😍 I'm feeling special. Great work as always, greetings from Italy

[@gaildoughty6799]

Wow. Thank you for this. You’re right; I’d never heard of any of this. What a story-and what a woman!

[@rosemariepauly3725]

Thank you so much for sharing and the way you are sharing. I am totally balled over by this news. Keep it up and keep well

[@vl-s1716]

this was a great story. also, your outfit in this video is EVERYTHING

[@khaledassaf6356]

Thank you for shedding a light on this whole thing, and giving us a great book recommendation!

[@LittleHerdaz]

Thank you for sharing her story ❤️❤️

[@williamberry4597]

Well, I know what book to put in my reading queue. This video worked really well as something to listen to while driving.

[@jt_hopp]

I AM NOT CRYING OK?!

[@anjanankuttu]

I teared up... lil bit..🥺

[@steelcaress]

I actually picked up Babb's book a few years ago, when I first heard about its decades-long journey to publication. It is a well written work, better than Grapes of Wrath in my opinion. I just found that it flowed better -- and sounded more authentic. I was familiar with the background story. But it's always better to get a refresher course, and you are so good at what you do.

[@lankyjuggler]

I think at this point, the things you get really into *are* my niche. Thanks for raising this author up!

[@RayWalker-pythonic]

Fascinating. I'm convinced. I'm buying one of her books right now.

[@larryodonnell9320]

Thank you for sharing her story. Regardless of the lack of notoriety, or perhaps because of it, hers was truly a life well lived

[@JamesonHuddle]

Thanks for sharing this incredible story! I don't have much to say this time (strange). I love your earrings! They are so cool. And Dez hopping up at the end was perfect. I wish everyone a good week!

[@trotskyeraumpicareta4178]

The art is amazing. And the video was great, I can't imagine where else I could have known this awesome story.

[@BisexualMajima56]

I just got done reading this book after seeing this video and it was great. The ending line sticks with me and I think it always will.

[@MainelyMandy]

What a great video! I definitely want to read this book and make Sanora known!

[@duboisist]

I learned something today. Thanks for sharing this story.

[@kurov531]

I haven't read Grapes of Wrath, so I'll read this instead (eventually). Also, those long-sword earrings look gorgeous!

[@arnauddika]

Your channel is absolutely amazing, also I love how delicate your haikus are

[@thenightranger987]

Thanks for this video. I just started writing a short story about her life and this was extremely helpful in getting info.

[@basementmadetapes]

I love The Grapes of Wrath so much. Will definitely check this out too.

[@Littlemangomama]

I just want to say I'm so happy I found your channel🤞🥺

[@T.H.W.O.T.H]

One of the few 'Tubers I click the LIKE button before I've watched the video. Another insightful, thought-provoking vEssay from that quirky cat lady. 😼 Tnx.

[@celestialbeas9214]

I've actually never read grapes of wrath. we had of mice and men on our high school required reading list, but not that one, so i had added it to my reading list, after i finished all of orwell's books, i was gonna move onto steinbeck's. but i think ill read Sanora Babb's books first!

[@thetransformatorium7980]

This was excellent! 👍👍 Thank you for the history lesson, and for shining some well deserved light on Sanora Babb. Your cat is absolutely gorgeous by the way, and makes a cool addition to your video. My cats occasionally sneak in to my videos as well, but since the work I do always requires safety glasses, I have to limit their access! Cheers! 😁

[@tempcan666]

I love your earrings, I have the same pair! thank you for doing the work to make sure Sanora Babb's name does not go unknown

[@alicegam]

This was great:) loved the video, and I love your love for books. It’s infectious! I’ll try and read it soon:)

[@kohhna]

Absolutely love this. Commenting for the engagement

[@franccontreras5157]

💜Fascinating story!

[@sebamm6469]

Well. You've given me a new hero. Thank you, Zoey.

[@ChrisHoppe-wordmeme]

Thank you for another great video. I will enjoy getting ahold of Babb's book and comparing for myself. Sounds like a suggestion for my favorite book club who are working through some classics from that period. 👌 😏👍📚❤

[@ntdk1080]

This is so good!

[@panda0911]

Very interesting story! Thanks for sharing! Love your content!

[@kafkawood]

I know I risk a trip to the headmaster´s office, but Mrs. teacher... You are looking especially breathtaking today.

[@tomservoux5]

Thanks for sharing this story

[@silversam]

Thanks for this! They made us read TGoW in high school (or Tess of the D'Urbervilles, they only had enough of each for half the class... I was in the TGoW group and couldn't finish). Even though I'd never heard of her before today, I get the feeling Sanora Babb's book might have been more interesting and engaging. Maybe there's a timeline where she didn't show whats-him-name her notes...?

[@cesaradrianperezmerino6088]

Wow, I didn't know the Sanora Babb's story, and this whole Steinbeck situation was completely unexpected. I definitely have to read her work.

[@marocat4749]

Ok steinbock did actually had good intention, but he later, should have agnowledged her as source later, or promote her otherwise. I get the whos name are unknown is a pr nightmare, but h could have helped her otherwise getting into the lines. Another book of hers. Thats what i would blame steinbeck for, not promoting the author sanona babb who helpd him in an akward, i hope accident. That lack of supporting her afterwards aftr he knew, and he had to know, is where he is to blame really, and probably more, his agents. She should also be present in culture, and get a movie, for the sake of showing more diverse voices.

[@rhodesj]

There's a possibility, even a probability, that Steinbeck had no idea she existed beyond an anonymous set of notes that Cotton passed to him; he died in 1968, which would have been 36 years before Babb's work was first published. That said, I read the Grapes of Wrath in my Sophomore year of High School, and found it more than a bit patronizing; I grew up in Appalachia, and I've got pretty good radar when someone from away is trying to be 'helpful'. I'm going to give Babb's a read, and I suspect it's going to be a bit more powerful, if a bit less likely to attract the attention of respectable literary people.

[@DanielinLaTuna]

Thanks for sharing this. Her story is reminiscent of that of Rosalind Franklin, the real, and unsung, hero of the discovery of the physical structure of DNA. Franklin was a physical chemist who made pivotal research in the discovery of the structure of DNA, known as "the most important discovery" in biology. James Watson, writing in his memoir “The Double Helix : A Personal Account of the Discovery of the Structure of DNA”, reflected the account of the discovery in which he portrayed Franklin as "uninteresting", "belligerent", and "sharp, stubborn mind", referring her as "Rosy", the name she did not want to be called. Remarkably, he described how, while visiting her lab whilst she was absent, he saw her work and realized that her discoveries and calculations held the key to work he and his partner, Francis Crick, were doing, but were on the wrong track. Watson, Crick, and another contemporary of Franklin, Maurice Wilkins, received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1962 for the discovery. Conveniently, Watson mentioned Rosalind Franklin in passing in his book in 1968... years after her death.

[@WoohooliganComedy]

Thanks, Zoe. 💖

[@allan6398]

Your EARRINGS!!! I keep having to rewind because they're so mesmerizing ✨

[@demonhellfish]

Seconded! Those are fantastic!

[@capitalex5422]

Incredible video! Glad you're shining a light on an author and activist almost lost to time.

[@whylal]

another book for my tbr! Excellent video and beautiful art!

[@DJMavis]

That was fascinating, thanks. And love for Aud's Art.

[@DeathAlchemist]

Thank you for informing me about Sanora Babb.

[@stefan21505]

I disagree with the title... The true greatest writer you've never heard of ist Machado de Assis. He was a black Brazilian epileptik and a son of a former slave all 100 years ago. He wrote in a modern style with much irony and in his books he often addresses the female (because he thought that only women would buy his books) reader. His most famous work - most famous outside of Brazil (but still sadly not that famous) - is "The Posthumous Memoires of Bras Cubas". The character Bras Cubas writes his memories not before but after he is dead which makes him want to write the truth and nothing but the truth (a satire on conventional autobiographies). Susan Sontag wrote review about the Posthumous Memoires and there she writes that if he was born in a different country he would have been more famous. Sadly, there are still works by him untranslated because his undeserved obscurity. This writer is truly amazing and a HUGE recommendation.

[@berniekatzroy]

Woah I'm adding this to my list.

[@silenceofthehills7610]

I hope someday, a little girl somewhere says "Mommy, I want to be like Sanora Babb".