John Steinbeck

John Steinbeck is both the author and a main character of the Log of the Sea of Cortez. Steinbeck grew up near the coast in Salinas, California, and first becomes interested in marine biology when he takes a summer course at Stanford University. Upon moving to Pacific Grove, California with his first wife Carol Henning, he meets Ed Ricketts soon afterward. The two of them form a close friendship, and spend many long hours debating concepts of biology and philosophy that fascinate them both.

Steinbeck and Ricketts eventually form a desire to collaborate on a book project, but the first one they work on is not completed. However, it leads to the idea of a marine biology expedition to the Sea of Cortez. The success of several of Steinbeck's novels, including Tortilla Flat, Of Mice and Men, and Grapes of Wrath, has given him the financial means...