Novels:
* The Grapes of Wrath (1939): A Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award-winning epic about the Joad family's journey from Oklahoma to California during the Dust Bowl era. It's often considered his masterpiece and a significant work of American literature.
* Of Mice and Men (1937): A short, poignant novella about two migrant workers, George and Lennie, who dream of a better life. It explores themes of friendship, loneliness, and the harsh realities of the American Dream.
* East of Eden (1952): A sprawling novel set in California's Salinas Valley, exploring themes of good vs. evil, love, and family. It's considered Steinbeck's most ambitious novel.
* Tortilla Flat (1935): A lighthearted, comic novel about a group of paisanos living in Monterey, California. It captures the spirit of the local culture and celebrates the joys of simple living.
* The Pearl (1947): A novella about a poor Mexican fisherman who finds a giant pearl, but its discovery brings him more trouble than happiness.
* Cannery Row (1945): A novel that captures the life and characters of a working-class community in Monterey, California. It's known for its colorful characters and its celebration of human connection.
* The Red Pony (1937): A collection of four novellas set in the Salinas Valley, depicting the coming-of-age of a young boy named Jody Tiflin. It's a poignant story about love, loss, and the harsh realities of life.
* The Winter of Our Discontent (1961): Steinbeck's last completed novel, exploring the themes of disillusionment and the American Dream.
Nonfiction:
* Travels with Charley (1962): Steinbeck's account of his cross-country road trip with his French poodle, Charley. It's a personal reflection on America and its people.
* Of Mice and Men (play, 1937): A stage adaptation of his novella, which has become a classic of American theatre.
Other Notable Works:
* The Way Back (1961): A collection of short stories and essays.
* The Acts of King Arthur and His Noble Knights (1976): A retelling of the Arthurian legend, published posthumously.
These are just a few of John Steinbeck's many celebrated works. He won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1962, and his writing continues to resonate with readers today.