John Steinbeck

The June 1964 Book Section excerpts Travels with Charley, Steinbeck’s last book before his death in 1968. The work chronicles his road trip with his trusty poodle, Charley. According to Steinbeck’s son, the author knew he was dying and wanted to see his country one last time. “From start to finish, I found no strangers. If I had, I might be able to report them more objectively. But these are my people and this is my country.”