Perspective

The results of the Sea of Cortez expedition were originally published in 1941 as a two-part book authored jointly by Steinbeck and Ricketts, entitled Sea of Cortez. The first part consisted of the narrative drawn from log entries and journals, and the second part consisted of a scientific compendium of the species collected on the journey. This current version of the book was first published in 1951 and contains only the narrative description of the expedition. Although Steinbeck is listed as the author, Steinbeck did not actually keep a logbook during the journey. His factual account of the voyage is taken largely from logbooks kept by Ricketts and the captain of the Western Flyer, Tony Berry. The text reflects a variety of different voices, including Steinbeck's own thoughts, text that was jointly worked out between Steinbeck and Ricketts, and excerpts written almost entirely by Ricketts. In places, the work reflects...