BACKGROUND 
In August of 1964 Thomas H. Guinzburg, head of Viking, asked John Steinbeck to provide captions for a series of photographs commissioned to “distill the spirit of America and its people” (The True Adventures). Discouraged by progress on his translation of Malory's Morte d' Arthur and depressed over a recent lawsuit, the author was ready for something new.

The months that followed were gratifying but also difficult for the author. In August President Johnson asked Steinbeck's assistance in writing the acceptance speech for the Democratic Convention's nomination. Later Steinbeck worked on the inaugural address, and attended the event. In September of 1964 Steinbeck received the Medal of Freedom, the highest award presented to a civilian in peacetime. Only a month later, Steinbeck's close friend and editor, Pascal Covici, died. To relieve his grief, John and his wife, Elaine, flew to California for a family reunion and a brief visit to Cariton Sheffield, another close friend. They spent Christmas with director John Huston in County Galway, then flew to London and on to Paris, where they learned of the death of Steinbeck's beloved sister, Mary. According to his wife, Elaine, “He took it very, very hard...” In Benson's words: “Each death seemed to take a little more out of him and the feeling that everyone he loved was leaving him began to overtake him.”

WRITING
At first the author saw the book as a short “commercial” job, but as he wrote, the captions became essays. Thoughts and impressions from a recent trip across the country that could not be included in his account Travels With Charley, soon found a place in America and Americans.

In a letter to John Huston and Gladys Hill, Steinbeck commented: “I may have to run for my life when it comes out. I am taking ‘The American’ apart like a watch to see what makes him tick and some very curious things are emerging.” He told Joseph Bryan, “It is most fascinating work” (Life in Letters.)

Despite delays, Steinbeck nearly completed the first draft by mid-April of 1965.

PUBLICATION
Selections from the book first appeared in The Saturday Evening Post July 2, 1966. On October 12, 1966 Viking published the first edition in a gray paperboard case that sold for $12.50. Newsday printed selections that November. British and Canadian editions also appeared in 1966.

Would you like a copy of America & the Americans? Visit the National Steinbeck Center Museum Store!

Compiled by Pauline Pearson
June 5, 1990
Revised 6/95