Unnamed section, p. 5 Summary and Analysis

The Log from the Sea of Cortez describes a marine biology expedition carried out by John Steinbeck and his close friend, Ed Ricketts, from March 11 to April 20, 1940. The expedition leaves Monterey Bay, California, travels down the coast of Baja California and into the Sea of Cortez, then returns along the same route. Marine species are collected and recorded, along with a log of whatever is encountered along the way, including observations of marine life, navigation and weather, indigenous people inhabiting the area, and the activities of the expedition party and crew. The Log also includes discussions of philosophy, biology, spirituality, and man's place among nature, which reflect long-standing interests of Steinbeck and Ricketts.

The book opens with Steinbeck lamenting the lack of information with which to plan such an expedition. He describes the books and charts available...