John Steinbeck - Flawed Genius | Biographical Documentary

[@bobnewmanknott3433]

I read Steinbeck as a young man and was deeply moved Your insightful reading of him has not lessened my appreciation of his talent but taught me to look below the surface Many thanks , it shows that even in my 80's I can still learn learn .

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Glad to hear - you're never too old!

[@meteor2012able]

My hero! I am, 91 yo, copper miningtown, barrio born, Mexican-American. When the book, "The Grapes of Wrath" came out, my dad and uncles read and cherished it. Later, when I was in HS, (1950) I read it for myself and understood why our family loved the book. We were poor and looked down upon, just like the Okies and Arkies. Steinbeck understood poor people and what it means to be rejects of upper society. Of course, the movie, is superb and memorable in my brain. Steinbeck's novels all reflect his deep understa ding of what it means to love, struggle, survive. God bless his soul!!!❤❤

[@sunnyadams5842]

Have you yet to see Salt of the Earth? Love from a southern New Mexico copper mining town Gringette.❤ Sir? Do you have a habit or anything you attribute your extraordinary longevity and obvious mental acuity which you would care to share here with us 60 year old youngsters?? Thank you in advance.❤

[@gaylehudson7267]

And in real life, the author looked down on you too.

[@meteor2012able]

@sunnyadams5842 : (great question) Some random thoughts on staying "alive" in body, mind, soul: BODY: 1. from childhood I avoided drugs. As a young man, I smoke for about a year and quit after reading a Reader's Digest article. All my years, I only drink beer and wine socially...never alone. 2. Work hard but normally... do not overdo anything.. rest, eat healthy rustic, homemade meals. 3. Be clean...not obsessed with it ( get naturally dirty...wallow in nature...), 4. In free times, walk, putter, have hobbies that cause pleasant mind and excertions (amature painter, stained glass, carving, voracious reader).... 5. walk, enjoy the sights at walking pace..notice little things too, pebbles, flowers, leaves, bugs, birds, ... stop and ponder the " SUN" it is fantastic... thank it. " Notice and ponder" hills, mountains, creeks, rivers, clouds...shadows ( ever morphing into wonderous entities for the mind and soul)...6. At night, go out and take in the cosmos, breath the delicious night airs ( of course some places are polluted with lights, noises, smells).... In short be "in" nature and your environment.. 7. Lastly, vicariously enjoy children laughing, playing, having fun... MIND: Read good stuff and ponder... slow pace.... sometime a page of good stuff will drift one away on mind trips lasting hours. Be curious about virtually everything. The world is made for our minds to wallow in "WHO?, WHAT?, WHERE?, WHEN?, and WHY?" .... When possible, ponder deeply, entities as parts of complex systems and processes. How and why do things work smoothly or malfunction...marriage, friendships, jobs, parenting... even one's family, town,or nation. In short, our brains are designed for taking in the world and figuring out how best to use the information. It is my belief that some people allow their brains to be manipulated ( even designed by exploiting others as inTV marketing, toxic music, even food additves).... it is my conviction that working to have a healthy body includes the organ in our skull...the brain...feed it good stuff, work it in positive ways... Do not cause it needless problems....A "naturally" happy, healthy brain avoids dangers, seeks good, creates, invents, plans ahead, and sees fascinating relationships and meanings. From childhood, I noticed troubled people such as drug addicts and alcoholics " actually" mistreating their brains by feeding them toxins ...including bad ideas....leading to early death from lifestyles. Of course, I use the " brain" as a realistic metaphor for who we are as personalities...social_behavioral creatures. I am acutely conscious of being a great grandfather, grandfather, father, husband, friend, senior citizen, etc. My dwelling on the "brain-mind" is to simply identify the problem of allowing ourselves to have injurious toxins, parasitic ideas, and morbities enter and thrive within it ( i.e. our being). The SOUL: Intrically, bound to the Body and mind, is the SOUL. Thinkers, sages, scientists, religious and shamanistic selves all have delved on topics concerning the soul. I am highly aware there is debate on whether we even have "souls." For a complex of reasons, I believe that I have a soul and that others do too. I even believe pets and domesticated creatures who become integral parts of our beings have souls. Call me a wishful thinker? I accept anyone's dubious mind on this topic. Now, since I have chosen to have a soul, I can visualize future lives with the souls of loved ones, kin, friends .. And, of course, my dearest love, June, my wife of 71 years ( we both were 19 yo, poor working class HS graduates). Having souls is great comfort and good for my body, mind, soul... Having a soul makes me a kinder, thoughtful, caring human being. Plus, having a soul, means great adventures ahead in my next reincarnation. Thanks for the question on topic of longevity. ❤️ 😍 😍 😍 💖 ❣️ P.S. one last item about all the above: Studiously avoid "anger" at anything! Anger is a deadly toxin that, IMO, shortens life. Of course, there are many negatives in life... just try to understand them placidly...never in anger.

[@glendabarton1914]

I bought a book by his son a very beautiful book about Big Sur. With gorgeous paintings and writing by Steinbeck's son, another treasure. I was particularly interested in a piece of the book written about the Dark Watchers, Los Ojos Oscuros, those mysterious dark shadowy beings who loom in the mountains of Big Sur, enigmatic vigilantes appearing in the mountain mists faces turned toward the crashing boisterous ocean, eternally observing.

[@jim-se5xc]

The Wayward Bus. His best book. Left Grapes of Wrath for dead.

[@izzaduck8896]

The treatment of Steinbeck's first wife... is monstrous! I almost regret listening to this biography. But we, all, must accept the reality of our 'heros' and their warts; Steinbeck's work still moves me. There must have been a space in his mind that felt compassion... just a pity that he couldn't show it to those who loved him. However, I so glad to have found this channel - thank you!

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Welcome aboard. I know what you mean, I kind of regretted doing the video.

[@izzaduck8896]

@@professorgraemeyorston Hope you're able to shed your regret about the video. I'd much rather know a 'bitter truth' that continue... with some 'idylic illusion' - facing reality is a necessary part of survival and life IMO. 👍

[@BlueBeeMCMLXI]

Hold on, this whole thing is only one little academic's opinion based on what he can cobble together as a tomb robber. The cunt.

[@steveflorida5849]

​@@izzaduck8896I get satisfaction reading about the redemptive spirit. When a human rises above his/her "bitter" phase towards the "better nature of our angels".

[@viiccd]

​@@professorgraemeyorstonRegret ?! His vile personal behavior is just one more example of "bleeding heart" types who wish to save the world while destroying those closest to them. Using forced abortion as a weapon should be considered some form of murder. What does this behavior say about Steinbeck's left leaning politics ?

[@joshmichaels1435]

your psychiatric profiles have really helped me tap into some of my more neurotic characters. you're a great story teller as well as an analyst. Love your work!

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Thank you - I had aspirations as a writer myself many moons ago!

[@trudigoodman4825]

This was wonderful. I still love the Steinbeck who believed in the little people that many people don't care about.

[@lyndapierson6338]

tell that to the lefties

[@FigaroHey]

He believed that "all" people are just animals driven by drives for survival, sex and food. As such the "little people" were the animals who weren't successful getting those things. His solution was enforcing communism on everyone in the world so every human animal had equal access to resources for survival. The bizarre thing is that leftists would cancel someone who was so in sync with their master plan. But then leftists are notoriously stupid. They actually think Huckleberry Finn is racist against African-Americans when Twain saved all his racism for native-Americans and never wrote a negative black character. Even when Twain portrayed a mentally challenged (chuckleheaded) slave for comic effect, the slave is kind-hearted and fundamentally good, while his Indian characters are always liars, thieves, alcoholics and murderous brutes. But hey, you have to actually read the books intelligently to grasp this.

[@6j6666]

Yeah except he ripped off the little people every chance he got.

[@6j6666]

​@lyndapierson6338 huh? You don't know shit, do you?

[@amyadams656]

Except for the little people he allowed his wife to bring into the world, and then fought like hell to not have to support ...

[@uberaustin777]

This channel really is amazing. Thanks for your work, Dr. Yorston!

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Thank you, high praise indeed!

[@coffeeisgood102]

I find it really perplexing that a man can get very angry at the injustices he sees around him then treat his wife just as bad, or worse. Makes no sense

[@professorgraemeyorston]

I suspect his narcissistic personality traits distorted the reality of his behaviour as somehow justifiable for the greater good by allowing him to write about the injustices of society.

[@SamVaris]

I am not A doctor so I won’t try to diagnosing narcissist, but I think that he had a war inside he saw in Justice and didn’t change it in his own life flawed human. We all have them not making excuses. That’s why we work on being being a very human.

[@hollyw9566]

It's my own personal experience that it's much easier to love "humanity" and "the poor" than it is to have to deal with some humans on a daily basis. I prefer people at an arm's length. While not cruel or mean by nature, I'd just rather be alone and/or with a small handful of intelligent compatriots. I prefer other animals to humans, generally. I suspect he was like that. . . only meaner. I always want to ask people who think direct democracy is a good idea if they've ever met any "ordinary" people. Having grown up with them, I can tell you that I don't want them making decisions for all of us.

[@davideatwell6577]

Art is compensatory in most cases, when it's not it's not necessarily any good, it can be quite puzzling

[@valerieladeda]

Beautiful editing and montages. Memorizing. So well-crafted. Thank you.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

My pleasure thank you.

[@ericbenjamin2908]

Visually, yes, excellent, and the verbal narrative also. The music cues, however....

[@2fishes-q5h]

Thnx Professor Yorston, I've read many Steinbeck books through my life. And many, more than once. I grew up with the smells and sights of California. Just one paragraph of his writing can take me back to my own memories of the 1950s.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Thank you.

[@goodgrief888]

Wonderful. I grew up in Steinbeck country, and my Dad and his family were migrant farm workers who traveled up and down the California coast picking seasonal crops and living in a tent on the beach. Real Grapes of Wrath type stuff. I only ever heard the good things, so never knew how personally mean Steinbeck could be. Would you consider doing another California writer from that era? Jack London? Thank you so much.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Thanks, yes Jack London is on the to do list!

[@goodgrief888]

@@professorgraemeyorston Can’t wait! And thanks for responding!

[@meteor2012able]

@goodgrief888 ...Wow! We have much in common.... I too worked with our large familia. Aunts, uncles, cousins picking grapes, apricots, cabbage, celery....It was expected of children to work ASAP.... I fondly remember the fun we kids from distant places had after work... the campfires, story telling, making new friends, swiming in canals or reservoirs... Tenting in large groups with new and old friends....best times of my life! I also recall tragedies, injustices, and sad things too....just like the Joads....WW2, soldiers, braceros, shipyards, aircraft plants, ration books, etc, etc. Trust me, as a kid growing up among poor working class Mexican peers was wonderful.... Life has thrown me and mine many problems, which, overall, my upbringing made me strong and stoic to survive and grow. I love Steinbeck because he most definitely wrote stories about " us" who shined shoes... built homes, ships, airplanes, mined copper, ...And, lost friends and loved ones in wars.... went to church ....baptismals, weddings, fiestas and funerals...Christmas, Las posada, Lent, Easter... music, dances, etc, so much..... Steinbeck understood "us " working class minions .... Bless his soul.

[@glendabarton1914]

Steinbeck and London.. Great California writers! I live near Jack London State Park in Sonoma County a very beautiful place, London's "Beauty Ranch" with his burned down Wolf House, his widow's House of the Happy Walls, acres of hiking trails and a museum, a lake, other interesting artifacts, his cottage where he wrote his last books and lay sick into death. It's a wonderful place haunted by his sadness later in life. I don't remember names too well, but a local author wrote n historical fiction about Jack London's wife Charmion having an affair with Harry Houdini, with whom they were friends.

[@kyleethekelt]

Thank you, Professor, for yet another fine presentation. If the reviewers criticised 'Of Mice and Men' I think they may have missed the point. Here is a man with a learning impairment who has been left completely to his own devices without support or guidance - a tragedy waiting to happen. At least, that's my take. I wonder, have you heard of New Zealand's Janet Frame? We celebrated the 100th anniversary of her birth recently and she had a life which would be ripe for your examination. She was in line for Nobel Prize several times and was compared with Dylan Thomas and James Joyce. I find her writing so amazingly vivid and intense that I am lured into the centre of her world and then need to take a break. A most underrated and under-read writer in my opinion.

[@pipfox7834]

Yes! Janet Frame, wasn't there a film about her?

[@JCPJCPJCP]

"An Angel At My Table," 1990. Edit: Directed by Jane Campion. I've seen it and recommend it. Very good film.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Thank you, those who wish to ban books have usually the point or not the book at all. Janet Frame is on the list of the people to cover, thank you.

[@KaiColloquoun-gt7kw]

I love "of mice & men" To see the point of the plot I think one has to bear in mind the complete Robert Burns' line from "to a mouse", ie., " the best laid schemes of mice and men gang aft agley" during the conversation in the black stable hand Crooks' room when the future is being discussed & all their plans come to nothing.

[@monicacall7532]

When I was 14 I suffered a traumatic brain injury that made both standing up or sitting for any length of time a challenge because I would faint. Bored by my limitations, I looked through my dad’s books and discovered “East of Eden”. That book changed my life forever. This is not an exaggeration! Even at such a young age I was able to understand that Steinbeck was exploring the concepts of good and evil. Having grown up with a mom who saw the world of good and evil in terms of deepest black and brightest white with nothing in between. Steinbeck portrays the myriad shades of gray in his characters so beautifully. Adam Trask is a good man but he’s so tentative about really engaging with life and other people, and he refuses to see the people around him as complex human beings. His former wife Cathy is often evil personified, and yet she treats the girls who work at her brothel and the other people who work for her with kindness. The most important lesson in the book springs from the conversation between Sam Hamilton and Lee Chong when Lee tells Sam that in studying the Old Testament with some elderly Chinese scholars in San Francisco on his days off they have discovered that the Hebrew word “Timshel” as used in the Ten Commandments doesn’t mean “you will” but “you may”. The concept of Timshel allows a person to make whatever decision they are facing for themself rather than being forced by an outside entity to make the decision regardless of that individual’s own beliefs. What a liberating concept! Even at age 14 I understood what this wonderful idea meant in my own life. It gave me the courage to live my life on my own terms rather than to live a life that my mom and other influential people in my life thought I should live. As a result I have very few regrets now that I’m in my 60’s. If I hadn’t read “East of Eden” perhaps I would’ve given in to the adults who thought that they knew what was best for me. Steinbeck himself was a study in contrasts, a man who was incredibly wise and took great pleasure in the beauty of the world and the gaining of knowledge while at the same time he was abusive to his wife and boys and who struggled with alcohol and his own self doubts.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

A complex man indeed. Thanks for sharing your story.

[@meteor2012able]

@monicacall7532 I loved your response, amiga. I , like many seniors, had a life full of adventures...up, downs, sideways.... I know tragedies but not as hurtful as others. I know accomplishments, but not like others. I know disappointments, but not as deep as others. Yeah, " Asi es la vida!" Story: We do good, sometimes bad unintentional ( I hope). One day, while shopping in a supermarket, man tapped my shoulder. He looked into my face with a broad smile and said, " Do you remember me?" I tried hard, but, "no" ...I just couldn't dredge him up. He, with deep sincerity, gave his name and explained: One day coming out of a barrio store, were a cluster of toughie teens (vatos) hanging-out and kinda intimidating people. I, being a struggling parent, worker, and on- off, college student, stopped, and gave a layman's sermon to the group. "I basically, told them, that they were made to be good and productive, the next generation of parents, citizens,... The gist of my sermon was that their deviance of hurting the "self" and others was actually morbid in suicidal... (crime, jails, prison, etc). The smiling, healthy looking " hombre" took my hand and firmly shook it. He said, "I am Tomas, I went home from that day you talked to us and thought about your words. I had no dad, my home life troubled and poor. You spoke like a loving father to us.... I started changing for the good, and today I am happily married, have kids, and great prospects." We chatted a bit more and parted. I have never forgotten, that incident for many reasons, and I sometimes dwell on how little things can move mountains. Yeah, do good even unto the honey bees and , who knows...? ❤️ 💙 💜 💖 💗 Paz

[@kathleenroberts6931]

The Grapes of wrath, and East of Eden, I read from my grandfather's most cherished leather bound set of all of John Steinbeck's work, changed my life, too! A lifetime Hippie from birth, 😊 .

[@Txjane52011]

I've never read or seen the movie, "East of Eaden," but now I will. Thanks for the book review.

[@xpdnc2u]

​@@meteor2012ableYes! It's amazing how a small space of time can influence others. A good heart and wise words, Those moments are inspired. Thank you.

[@terrydillon9323]

A few of us met John Steinbeck in an elevator when I was a young women back in the 1950’s, he was such a nice gentleman, smiled and shook our hands.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Great memory.

[@sunnyadams5842]

On his best...?

[@skylar7171]

Good thing you didn’t marry him.

[@judepower4425]

woman ....

[@getsmart9987]

I believe John Steinbeck was certain of why he was born, to write. Being a good husband or father was not something he valued, unfortunately. That doesn’t mean he had a disorder or mental flaw. As his son put it, he was an asshole. Okay…established. He still gave us some very strong story telling for that era, and we can appreciate that fact.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

I agree he was a great writer.

[@russbull78]

I don't believe this crap. Yes he drank, so what...so did Tobey Keith and everyone thinks he was wonderful . Was he a womanizer, probably, so is Trump and he'll probably be elected president.

[@dr.barrycohn5461]

Yes, it sounds like he did indeed have a mental flaw or a disturbance.

[@kathylarson8876]

It seems often great artists have mental issues, doubt you or I could be that since we are normal, maybe lol

[@bramstayer]

Yup some of the greatest _____________ are also arseholes@ just like life.😊

[@tomklock568]

Thank you. Indeed I have read many of his works and visited his areas of influence in Monterey, Pacific Grove and the museum in Salinas. Yet I didn’t realize the extent of his negativity personally. I appreciate your videos, thank you.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Thank you.

[@sandramcdaniel2]

Even great writers are flawed humans which is what makes them great to read. Thank you. 😊

[@professorgraemeyorston]

There are probably a few out there who are less flawed.

[@parkerholden7140]

A supurb picture of one of Americas greatest writer who brought the life of the downtroden in to millions of American home. I grew up in an intense agricultural area of central Washington. Steinbeck captured in perfectly Reading Steinbeck was like reliving my youth.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Thank you.

[@jkkjeldsen8249]

This was an excellent even-handed doc on Steinbeck. I think I've read everything he's written. A school-age neighbor of his in Salinas has said that John once told her that 32 people on their block alone had mental disorders. How he determined this odd diagnosis was not disclosed, but she never forgot it. Looking forward to the episode on Mark Twain. I wish I had never read his posthumously published rant, but can't wait to hear your thoughts on it. Cheers.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Thank you.

[@Moonchildetoo]

Excellent! I am born and raised in California and currently live literally less than 4 mi from Cannery Row. Have lunched at Steinbeck House. Your talk fills in a few blanks I didn’t know, like the alcoholism and the attitude about children. I did know he had a reputation for treating his wives badly. You didn’t mention it, but are you aware that ‘the’ Joseph Campbell of Powers of Myth fame (I’m a fan of his work) was also friends with Steinbeck for a time and fell in love with Carol? He (Campbell) stayed friends with her for years and even traveled with her. I read many of Steinbeck’s books because he was my mother’s favorite author. I’ll bet not many my age were as enthusiastic as i was about In Dubious Battle, which turned out to be one of my favorites of his. I was late teens-early 20s when I read it. kudos for the local pics. Have you been to Monterey? Heat wave today. Cheers…

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Thank you, Carol and Joseph had one kiss - but it made JS very jealous. I've driven through Monterey on Route 1, but didn't have time to linger. It's a must do, next time!

[@SweetChicagoGator]

Love the quote, "Being bipolar Is synonymous with creativity." There is hope for depressed writers !! 💟

[@professorgraemeyorston]

If only it was as simple as that!

[@debishaw9355]

I was born and raised in Salinas. It’s interesting to know more about John Steinbeck besides his writing. I loved some of his books. He definitely made his mark on Salinas whether he was liked or not. Thank you for this !

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@genericrobin6597]

Such a vivid description! I wonder how Dr. Yorsten would concisely describe me (the good and the bad aspects) but I’ll have to write a few prize winning books first!

[@professorgraemeyorston]

When you win the Nobel Prize, I'll do a documentary!

[@genericrobin6597]

@@professorgraemeyorston. Fair enough! Thoroughly enjoying your content.

[@janethayes5941]

How exciting to get another great breakdown. You always deliver such fantastic content. 👏👏👏

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Thank you.

[@FrankOdonnell-ej3hd]

The Grapes of Wrath has long been one of my favorite American novels. Regardless of how Steinbeck behaved in his personal life he couldn’t have been worse than his contemporary Hemingway. I understand East of Eden is generally considered to be his greatest work and if I’m around a few more years I hope to be able to read it.⚛️❤

[@professorgraemeyorston]

They were not a million miles apart in terms of their relations with women.

[@meemawdragon9964]

One of my best memories was listening to Cannery Row on tape while driving around Monterey 🤗

[@Anita-f8o8m]

Thanks for your insightful post about 1of the greatest writer's of the 20th century.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Thanks for listening

[@ronginther1986]

Photos are fascinating. His chaotic life certainly spanned a lot of momentous events. Quite incredible, his foray into the Mediterranean WW2 theatre with his exploits. A rival consciously with Hemingway's bucaneering lifestyle? OR he watched too many Errol Flynn movies? One other possibility, he was trying to escape going down memory lane and ending up in a cemetery where he had buried his conscience.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

I don't think he was quite as much an adrenaline junkie as Hemingway - but he genuinely wanted to be involved.

[@Nebraska66]

I greatly enjoyed your video and look forward to watching more on your channel!

[@TM-yn4iu]

This is not meant to be relative, which I always try to avoid, but when there are moments/actions that are "similar , " relativity is so hard to distance "opinions" from. This said, I will refrain from expanding on my experience, but briefly, I have seen this personally and in others around me. Those closest are treated or abused constantly, while those outside state how wonderfu/nice they are/were. This was an intriguing and deep insight to a "writer". Thanks

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@gilliansmith9134]

I am an English woman who read The Grapes of Wrath when I was about 16. Devoured everything of his thereafter. It took me to reading more American writers, Hemingway being my favourite. But then Fitzgerald and later Salinger, and well, I could go on.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

It was a pretty glorious century for American writers!

[@rayakhedker4003]

Professor Yorston! As someone who rarely comments on UTube-I am always amazed at how I often want to burst into song when I watch your videos-and further feel compelled to write to you! Lol …And this time to say that Steinbeck has deeply influenced my writing…so much so, that as someone who takes nothing “lightly,” while learning the craft of creative writing, I chose to hand copy THE PEARL thrice…hoping that some part of the novel’s brevity and beauty of prose would leech into my brain through my fingers! In any case, as ever, your in depth research and enlightening analysis never fail to uplift me-therefore, despite Steinbeck’s v, V flawed personality…which I can unfortunately relate to as a writer…I at least celebrate your window into who and how he really was. Perhaps this is so because the main character of my books so far is indeed a comparably flawed personality…which I take great pains to highlight rather than hide-and why? Because all human beings are essentially flawed, and when examined in-depth, no one comes up smelling of roses…so as a writer, I embraced the challenge to still make you “like and root for” my MC, regardless of her spectacular, international, and outrageous blunders…and the subsequent attempts to right her wrongs…which led to worse complications and resultant consequences! As such-I think this video only makes me embrace Steinbeck’s craft more, since his books/writing clearly show that in some corner of his brain he COULD think straight, espouse just causes, and portray them with with such gut-wrenching clarity-he left you breathless-only he couldn’t live up to those ideals…and isn’t that frequently the creative fool’s biggest stumbling block? And that is what I most want to bring out in my books…that unerring ability of creative people to do this “one thing” to absolute perfection, while all the rest goes to hell in a hand basket… Also, please do look into another one of my heroes (apart from Plum Wodehouse!), Carson McCullers? I assure you, Steinbeck, Hemingway, and Faulkner are practically perfumed compared to how horribly mangled she was-and yet, she, other than Steinbeck, taught me more about making sure that my readers could literally “see and smell” my prose as they read my stories…a debt I can only acknowledge in my praise of her, since I can never repay it. -So, thank you a thousand times over for this part of what you do! And tell your son I love him for making you start on this journey…

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Thank you, I'll pass on your thanks to Tom. I think you've hit the nail on the head - if you haven't experienced difficult times as a writer, you'll never get any human complexity and richness into your characters - they would be too perfect and...boring.

[@monicacall7532]

@@rayakhedker4003 I second your recommendation of Carson McCullers. I’d also recommend Eudora Welty.

[@rayakhedker4003]

@@monicacall7532was Eudora Crazy too?! Haven’t really delved into her work or her life! Lol

[@brianpead3692]

Graeme, thank you so much for this video. From a personal perspective- being both a writer and counsellor - I'd have welcomed a slightly longer video including an analysis of his deep-rooted anger and its influence on his life and writing. Mere cavilling apart, I really appreciated your efforts in putting this out there. I have only just found your channel, so will now explore your work on the other authors. Kind regards, Brian

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Welcome aboard.

[@lifewillbebetternow]

Excellent - thank you.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@marthapapargyri4961]

Excellent account of John Steinbeck's life. Regardless of his personality, his books show a deep understanding of people struggling for dignity and survival.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Very true.

[@JaneCarr-tf7ro]

Thank you very much. I appreciate what you have done. It's enlightening.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@estellasaville1610]

I so enjoyed your biographical documentary of Steinbeck whose books I devoured in my teens and who opened my eyes to a much harsher world than the one I currently lived in. Cormac MCarthy should be the subject of your next documentary, such a great writer full of humanity and compassion yet not afraid to shock with extreme violence.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Great suggestion - she's on the to do list.

[@sub1maz2]

"Tortilla Flat" es un gran trabajo de John Steinbeck. Sus personajes como "Pilon" y los demas dificilmente podrian ser mejor descritos por cualquier escritor de nuestra lengua-cultura. El simplismo de aquella gente, el humor genuino, la ironia y el sarcasmo con que sus personajes "hablan" hacen de Tortilla Flat una delicia para leer. Thank you John Steinbeck por conocer tan bien la cultura de esas gentes.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Estoy de acuerdo en que es un gran libro.

[@Buster_Piles]

What a great channel to stumble across. 😊 I enjoyed very much your realistic looks at people that have interested me. Steinbecks greatness was in his description of the land, our bonds to it and the hope of redemption within each of us.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Welcome aboard!

[@PeterAllen-m6i]

Excellent study of one of my favorite authors,I still think the first page of Grapes of Wrath is everything a great novel should be and hook you into the story.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

It's a great book.

[@jerrymachusak3216]

This is an extraordinarily excellent presentation. Thank you!

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Thank you.

[@garybarr1045]

Thank you for your review of Steinbeck's life. Much appreciated. My first degree was in English, followed 7 years later in architecture which is how I spent my life. I can sympathize with many elements of Steinbeck's nature as I am a casualty of Vietnam and a disabled retired soldier. I saw much in life and war that I have yet to fully confront as I approach my 80th year. I give Steinbeck credit where it is due as I too am a champion of the downtrodden.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@matthewseawell1667]

I’ve found your videos to be very insightful and have resolved to watch more of them.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Welcome aboard!

[@marshawoods4983]

You did a wonderful job on Steinbeck’s biography looking forward to listening to you more about other people

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Welcome aboard.

[@Emily_Votaw]

Always great work, Dr. Yorston! I’d LOVE to see a profile on Vivian Stanshall, a truly great (yet so complex) mind, an artist whose influence will only grow more evident over time

[@professorgraemeyorston]

I'll look into him.

[@leolacasse6278]

Outstanding work, Professor! My comment is that if Steinbeck was no Einstein, he was something better. As for the Okies, if they lost their faith, they gained God. I knew some of them in Stockton and was awed by their spirit. I can never forget them.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Thank you - yes adversity sometimes brings out the best in people.

[@indigobunting2431]

Thank you. A very balanced, careful review of a flawed but important human.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Thanks for watching!

[@annebalderston2520]

What human isn’t flawed?

[@gs547]

He produced an amazing number of well-known books. Thanks for giving us this informative video.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@lauracarstiou3505]

I loved Steinbeck in my teens. I always wanted to go to California after reading his books. I blew my interview at Harvard by calling him my favorite author. I was also reading Tolstoy Victor Frankl who l didn't mention. The interviewer frowned when I said Steinbeck. This was in the late 1960's.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Interesting - by the 60s many people thought he had sold out his principles.

[@lornahuddleston1453]

What snobs.

[@richbuckley6917]

As a youth I read most all of Steinbeck's brighter-side books and loved each one of them. Not knowing about his many troubles was a gift to me. My wife and I raised our family not far from Cannery Row and would drive the 90 minutes to the area for pleasant weekends. One weekend while passing through Salinas I visited that Steinbeck burial plot. I did not realize he was cremated. The book with the greatest lasting effect for me at least, is Cannery Row..

[@professorgraemeyorston]

I don't think there are too many writers that could do both the lighter humorous books and the more serious ones.

[@richbuckleyrealty8037]

Just shirt and jeans. There he was in the hot Lake Tahoe summer sun, helping Mr Ebright, owner of the Cascade Ranch build a log tac room for the pack animals. Steinbeck was wearing what anyone would wear doing gritty fresh air work in the theater of Tahoe pines….shirt and jeans. I was a youth riding with with my Dad and Uncle in the 1950’s. Uncle Archie was looking into buying a cabin site on the Cascade subdivision. Ebright pointed the way to the cabin site. I was quiet trying to figure out why Steinbeck was working there. I didn’t know his drinking troubles.

[@freden9234]

For anyone interested in reading Steinbeck, I highly recommend Cannery Row and its companion novel, Sweet Thursday. They really explore the history and people of Monterey in a vivid, sympathetic and beautiful way.

[@glendabarton1914]

Yes I love those two books. Also "To a God Unknown". My mother met Doc when she studied at Monterey Marine Station and went to Western Biological to ask him if he had any jobs.. He hadn't but he gave her a glass of ale. He was iconic. My mother told me he died driving on the railroad tracks drunk.

[@glendabarton1914]

(Doc was the iconic real life character Ed Ricketts). To read a good synopsis of Doc's life, the Log of the Sea of Cortez (I think) is great. My favorites also are Tortilla Flat and To a God Unknown.. very mystical.

[@glendabarton1914]

I love Monterey. I used to stay with my Mom in the charming iconic 17th Mile Drive Cottage Court under Monterey pines dropping with fog several blocks from Asilomar in Pacific Grove. I read Steinbeck's novels to her.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Great books.

[@kingrhs1]

Excellent informative and entertaining documentary of this great writer, I met my younger years. Definitely an inspiration to go back for a 2nd look Thanks you Professor Yorston

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@marktweet7395]

Enjoyed this. Very interesting

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@annfisher3316]

I appreciate the engaging and informative videos, sir. Thank you.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

You're very welcome.

[@Chris-w7e]

I like his work. Nobody is perfect.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Very true.

[@skylar7171]

That’s hilarious. The man was a monster.

[@Chris-w7e]

@@skylar7171 you probably know nothing about him.😂

[@skylar7171]

@@Chris-w7e Did you watch this documentary or sleep through it.

[@Chris-w7e]

@@skylar7171 Don't believe everything you think you see and hear and yes I am hibernating🙄

[@ellenpaasch4743]

While living in Salinas in 1971 -2 I was fortunate to read every Steinbeck book available in the Salinas Library.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Great place to get them from.

[@joedoe783]

This was great. Watched it over two nights.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Thanks for persisting!

[@joedoe783]

@professorgraemeyorston It was great. Watched the Kerouac episode the next night. These are some of my favourite writers. My all time favourite though is James Joyce. Not sure if you've done one on him yet, but he'd be an interesting study. Especially given Jung's reported views on him.

[@nancypotter6772]

Thank you for compelling me to see the humanity in the writer who delved into the great problems with being human. It's important to separate the elements of their work from their personal lives. I have never read such a thorough examination of his life and now I want to read more of his fiction.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Thank you, I always feel I have succeeded if people go off and read the books of the writers I've covered or take a fresh look at artists' work.

[@bobnankervis9722]

Without a doubt, Steinbeck is my favorite author of all time. Although I've read everything that he had written, I always disagreed with his socialist point of view as well as his solutions for societal problems. Even with our political differences, I still love his novels and short stories

[@professorgraemeyorston]

I have no interest in politics, but I think great writers like Steinbeck transcend politics

[@toniadugger3954]

Wow....I've now seen the entire series...thank you.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

You're very welcome!

[@arthuroldale-ki2ev]

In my 78 years Steinbeck has given me many hours of quality reading , I have read his works many times over, YES! A GENIUS ! As I never had to live with him, his private life holds no interest for me.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Fair enough!

[@alisongaber190]

Excellent point.

[@glendabarton1914]

Luckily his private life can be compartmentalized apart from his writing.

[@steveperreira5850]

We don’t improve human civilization by being indifferent to the harm and death caused by a horrible soul, In this case, John Steinbeck. He is a creep in every way, no exceptions

[@donaldfoltz4649]

Thanks for a very interesting and informative post.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@DigitalLazarus]

Fantastic. This was most edifying. The dichotomy of the artist and his demons. Thank you. Love your work.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Thank you!

[@PatrickHayes-j2p]

My Man!!! Always the best author ever.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

I agree, he's up there!

[@JCPJCPJCP]

😅Steinbeck is not a fictionalist to whom I've paid much attention, but I have read a few of his short novels. I have learned some things about him here. I enjoy all of your videos on literary figures, and I watch them as soon as I find them. Thanks. Edit: ("Touched by Fire: Manic-depressive Illness and the Creative Temperament," by Kay Redfield Jamison, 1993, is a book I read and enjoyed years ago. I recommend it, and would like to read it again sometime. Dr. Jamison is herself afflicted with bipolar disorder and has written a book about that.)

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Thank you, yes Jamison's book is very good, but I don't agree with all of her conclusions.

[@jilltagmorris]

Thank you again. Quality content as always! ❤😊❤

[@professorgraemeyorston]

You're welcome 😊

[@dennissantana3722]

Well done I loved it.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Thank you.

[@Xpaperboy2010]

Very good documentary. But please include information from 'Dogging Steinbeck,' my 2013 book about the fictions and lies Steinbeck told in his 1962 road book 'Travels With Charley.' It was marketed, reviewed and taught as a work of nonfiction for 50 years until I came along in 2010, retraced his actual route, did a lot of research and proved it was heavily fictionalized. My findings -- which William Souder writes about in his bio -- forced the publisher to have Jay Parini re-write his intro to the 50th anniversary edition of 'TWC' to warn readers that what they were about to read was fiction, not a true account that should be taken literally.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Thanks I will take a look at your book, I read about your findings, but couldn't get everything in that would have been interesting.

[@rosafodor6085]

Thank you for this video. Very informative, and the music so soothing. Good job!!!!! Keep it up!!!!!!!!!! ❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Thank you.

[@TomMcHugh-l4v]

"The Moon is Down" gets very little treatment in this and other videos. The book, in fact, was feared and banned by the Nazis. Resistance groups in Norway, France, and Holland reproduced copies by hand copying (printing presses were banned by the Nazis). Secretive sales of the book funded resistance efforts. The story is captivating; I recommend it , along with my other favorites: Grapes of Wrath, In Dubious Battle, Of Mice and Men.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Interesting - it's a shame so few people know about it.

[@lornahuddleston1453]

I've seen that movie a few times I must've forgotten Steinbeck wrote it. All that Quisling stuff. Good story

[@sarahsoutar252]

The story "The red pony" was less about his own youth, but rather a story about what one is willing to sacrifice to get something they think they want only to find out in the end that the thing you thought you really wanted was not so much worth the price that had to be paid. I found this story paralleled the fact that he spent so little time with his mother while she was ill and then dying while spending a great deal of time on his writing and perhaps later regreting that he hadn't spent much time with her in her end days.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Yes, I'm sure you're right.

[@patrickwentz8413]

I have read a few of his books and enjoyed "Travels with Charley" the most. He seems, at best, a bit of a loner and sad man, always searching for something that does not exist, which is contentment.

[@Gwaithmir]

I did a book report on that travelogue when I was in high school (1965).

[@professorgraemeyorston]

I think he did have a lot of regrets by the time he did his tour with Charley

[@StephenJohn-xs9zv]

I have read everything this man wrote, fantastic:) The only fiction I ever could read! Winter of our discontent was maybe my favourite.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

That's actually one I haven't read.

[@indigocheetah4172]

Thank you, Professor Yorston.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

You are very welcome

[@rachelnelsonpeterson8100]

Phenomenal. Thank you.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

You're very welcome!

[@corposant]

Professor Yorston, thank you for making intensely fascinating content! How about a profile on Ambrose Bierce?

[@mcnultyfp]

Ambrose Bierce was the one who said that God invented war to teach geography to Americans

[@corposant]

@@mcnultyfp although I didn't know this detail, but it wouldn't surprise me. He possessed acerbic wittiness.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Thank you I'll look into him.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Great quote!

[@Michele-z4k]

This was a good listen. I have read all but two books: Of Mice and Men and The Winter of Our Discontent. Thoroughly enjoyed them. We tend to put people like Steinbeck on a pedestal. Guilty as charged. This reminded me that he is human just like the rest of us, subject to the human condition with all its failings.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Very true.

[@sbalsamo410]

Loved this. Today I was just referring to Bruce Springsteen as today’s John Steinbeck. Flawed, brilliant and speaking to a humanity that they may not possess but yearn for.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Interesting point.

[@sbalsamo410]

@@professorgraemeyorston Take a listen to Ghost Of Tom Joad. The live version with Tom Morello on guitar. Best guitar solo ever? Maybe.

[@wendybothma3548]

I guess all people are complex with many gifts and many flaws. I’m grateful that notwithstanding his faults Steinbeck was able to give the world what he did of his gifts.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Very true.

[@winskypinsky]

The Winter of our Discontent was his best. Hands down. I found East of Eden too syrupy. Of Mice and Men reads as a grand poem-I read it frequently. I was astonished at the maverick writing technique of Grapes. Curious he was such a prick-he writes with such human depth.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

That's the puzzle with so many writers.

[@glenbateman5960]

Everyone is flawed, including geniuses. "Anyone who claims to have no flaws has just revealed one." - A.D. Wallace

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Very true.

[@steveclapper5424]

None of this takes away from the truths he wrote about.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Of course not, it is important to separate a person's creative output from their life.

[@ThoneJones]

Great video. Steinbeck is my all time favorite. I’d like to see a video on Elmore Leonard, another of my favorites.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Great suggestion.

[@RalphDavis-qk2xy]

Myself, and many others of my generation began peeling off from him as the Viet Nam war took more and more of a toll on so many lives.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

I suppose the Great Depression must have seemed less relevant at that time.

[@cheribee968]

Thank you for sharing this

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Thanks for watching

[@fatfeather4223]

I was born six blocks from his home in Salinas. I was six when he passed away. I am now a writer. Poetry. I find him intriguing. My family found him, annoying. They knew him personally.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Interesting, thank you, I bet they had some stories!

[@szilviabeylik4783]

Subscribed because your content and voice is perfect for falling asleep to.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Glad to be of service!

[@szilviabeylik4783]

@@professorgraemeyorston 😁 I do enjoy it the meantime. Just never get to the end. Or even to the middle. But the first 5 minutes of your videos are always great. 👍

[@kambrose1549]

I thought he sounded like a narcissist in his attitude to his wife and sons. Sad to hear that such a sensitive writer was such an unpleasant man .

[@professorgraemeyorston]

I suspect it's hard to have the time and mental energy to perfect you art and bea decent human being.

[@lkgreenwell]

The “Narrative Log of the Sea of Cortez Expedition” is one of the most impressive books I have ever read. When we started to see video of the Humboldt Squid I was fully prepared for The Devil Fish!

[@professorgraemeyorston]

He was a great writer.

[@ladytron1724]

Please do a biography on Humphrey Bogart 😍

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Great suggestion.

[@arnthvinden2301]

Excellent docu - thank you. I will now continue with your analysis of Mark Twain. Best Arnt Hvinden/Oslo

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@richardcassidy9536]

Steinbeck's mistreatment of his devoted first wife Carol Henning reminds me of George Orwell's mistreatment of his devoted first wife Eileen O'Shaughnessy. The devotion and travails of Eileen are well documented in Anna Funder's book 'Wifedom'. Steinbeck and Orwell are significantly diminished by their treatment of their devoted wives. Orwell's constant written hectoring about decency makes him a hypocrite. It makes me want to read about Mrs Leo Tolstoy who bore old Leo 10 children and typed 'War and Peace' at least a dozen times. In appreciation, toward the end of his life, in a bout of religious delusion, old and senile Tolstoy wanted to leave his large farming estate and all the royalties of his writing to the serfs who worked his landholdings. Nothing for the wife. She fought it and I assume won. Tolstoy to avoid his increasing fame, attempted to run away into seclusion. The dogged American press, wanting such a sensational story, tracked old Leo down to some whistle-stop station in Siberia where old and mentally incapacitated Leo died. Orwell even excused Dickens for his gross mistreatment of his wife. You know the hoary old cliche about all being excused in the name of art.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Thank you, I didn't know about Tolstoy or Orwell - I'll look into them. To be devoted and single-minded is probably necessary to be a writer - but at what point does this become a selfish .....?

[@pipfox7834]

Karl Marx was in the same camp, badly mistreated his wife and took her faithfulness for granted. She put up with awful living conditions for decades, while they lived on her money. Finally his magnum opus came out and there was prosperity for the couple, but by then she was worn out and arguably no longer cared very much.

[@MarlinWilliams-b2t]

And what was the deal with this chap Ricketts?

[@richardcassidy9536]

@@MarlinWilliams-b2t I don't know. I too was puzzled about him. I guess you'd have ro read a more fulsome biography which I won't be doing.

[@PamelaTitterington]

This was very interesting and informative ,thankyou 🎉

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Glad you enojoyed it.

[@Leslie12.66]

Would you consider Mr. Steinbeck a narcissist?

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Definitely, yes!

[@Leslie12.66]

@@professorgraemeyorston Thank you!

[@jerrylev59]

He had deep sympathy for people he wasn't personally responsible for, but was an insensitive demanding jerk to those he was close to. However, his writing had a positive impact on society overall, even if some of his critiques were naïve and heavy-handed. "East of Eden" is his most mature work, as it wisely focuses on the individual's ability to make good through righteous effort despite surrounding circumstance, arguing for free will to overcome apparent predestination.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

I agree.

[@cynthiamulholland8631]

Love Steinbeck, so sad to hear of his selfishness.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Follow his advice and focus on his writing rather than the writer!

[@gailgaddy5340]

Very enjoyable. I agree learning about the true nature of your heroes can be disappointing. I really enjoy his work and feel his empathy but on a personal level, very selfish indeed. Thanks for the video.😊

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Thank you.

[@ryangerardcomedy425]

That was interesting. I always wondered about him. His books are easy to read. East of Eden was amazing. He sounds like a self-centered alcoholic.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

He drank heavily and this increased as he got older, but the drinking never took over completely as it did with Fitzgerald.

[@martitinkovich4489]

Well done, as always.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Thank you.

[@fatimamelo3858]

Love Steinbeck books...he was so human and deep...

[@professorgraemeyorston]

He was indeed.

[@edgregory1]

I had that 1968 flu at age 9. My dad put a bucket next to my bed and wished me luck . "The Pearl" was my favorite of his.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

It was a bad one- dubbed Hong Kong flu - but the death toll was nothing like as much as the 1918 pandemic.

[@ruralangwin]

No I hated that book.

[@luizamorim1626]

Of all Steinbeck's sins being a supporter of US's aggression in Southeast Asia is his nadir. Condemning his son for having been caught with marijuana makes me vomit...especially coming from an alcoholic...it's mind-boggling that someone who was ardently for the rights of Oakies could be so insensitive regarding the plight of the Vietnamese people. Anyway, I loved some of his books...like 'East of Eden', 'Grapes of Wrath'...and even 'Travels with Charley'...

[@professorgraemeyorston]

I agree, it wasn't his finest moment.