Benson, Jackson J. The True Adventures of John Steinbeck, Writer: A Biography, New York: Viking, 1984.

At over one thousand pages, the most complete of the Steinbeck biographies, and the one that explores most thoroughly Steinbeck's writing process. Includes many photographs.

Burg, David F. The Great Depression: An Eyewitness History, New York: Facts on File, 1996.

Over one hundred first-hand accounts of life in the 1930s, including newspaper stories, interviews, letters, memoirs, photographs and documents from leaders and from common people, give the reader a strong sense of what it was like to live during this period.

French, Warren. John Steinbeck, Boston: Twayne, 1975.

An overview of Steinbeck's life and works, intended for the general reader. The volume includes a chronology, an annotated bibliography, and an indexed discussion of all of Steinbeck's major writings in chronological order.

Ockenga, Starr. Earth on Her Hands: The American Woman in Her Garden...