STEINBECK, John; CAPA, Robert — Journal of a Novel

New York: The Viking Press, 1969. Steinbeck at Work The Private Notebook Behind a Masterpiece STEINBECK, John. Journal of a Novel. The East of Eden Letters. New York: The Viking Press, [1969]. First edition. Octavo (8 1/4 x 5 5/8 inches; 209 x 143 mm.). x, [1-2], 3-182 pp. Publisher's quarter dark blue linen over blue cloth boards, spine lettered in silver, decorative endpapers, top edge stained light blue. Original color pictorial dust jacket, minimal fading to spine. A fine copy in a near fine dust jacket. A fascinating and deeply revealing companion to East of Eden, comprising Steinbeck's working journal written in the form of letters to his editor and friend, Pascal Covici. Composed during the creation of his most ambitious novel, these entries provide a rare, day-by-day account of the creative process - charting Steinbeck's struggles, ambitions, and evolving ideas as East of Eden took shape. More than mere ancillary material, this volume stands as an intimate self-portrait of the author at work, offering insight into his discipline, doubts, and artistic philosophy. Goldstone & Payne A45a. .