John Steinbeck was a famous American author known for his novels of rustic settings, like 'Of Mice and Men', 'Tortilla Flat', 'The Grapes of Wrath', and 'East of Eden', amongst several others. This talented writer has inked as many as sixteen novels amongst a total of twenty-seven publications. A 'Nobel Prize' and 'Pulitzer Prize' winner, this writer took time to achieve success in life, but hardships faced along the way did not hamper his determination. Most of his works are set in California, where he was born and raised. He drew inspiration for his characters from people he came into contact with each day. Particularly close and influential was his friend, marine biologist, Ed Ricketts. The novel, 'Tortilla Flat', was the first successful book, and from then on, each literary work produced by this great writer has achieved critical success. Blunt and crisp in its tone, his books have also been the subject of controversy, often being banned, particularly in schools, for its use of obscene language. In the late 20th century, this writer became one of the most banned authors around the world. Years after his death, he is still considered one of the pioneering writers of American classics. Read on to know more about this writer’s life and works