East of Eden

5b John Steinbeck. New York; The Viking Press, 1952. First Edition

Notes

East of Eden by John Steinbeck, published in 1952, is a sprawling, multigenerational novel set primarily in California's Salinas Valley. It explores the complex relationships within two families—the Trasks and the Hamiltons—against the backdrop of American history from the Civil War through World War I. At its core, the novel retells the Biblical story of Cain and Abel, focusing on themes of good versus evil, free will, and the struggle for identity and redemption. The central characters, especially brothers Cal and Aron Trask, grapple with inherited sin and the possibility of moral choice, highlighted by the concept of timshel, a Hebrew word meaning "thou mayest," which suggests that humans are not bound by fate and can choose their own path.

Steinbeck uses rich symbolism and philosophical introspection to examine human nature, drawing on personal family history and national mythology. Characters like Adam Trask, a well-meaning but flawed father, and Cathy Ames, a manipulative and almost inhumanly evil woman, serve as contrasting forces shaping the destinies of their children. The novel’s scope, emotional depth, and moral inquiry have made it one of Steinbeck’s most ambitious and enduring works, reflecting his belief in the capacity for both depravity and greatness in every person.

Description 

Green cloth binding with red label on spine. Black lettering on upper board and spine. Original dust jacket. Chipping along the edges of the dust jacket with significant wear along the upper fore edge but in protective plastic. Pen mark to dust jacket as well. Blue ink inscription on preliminary end paper. Very good condition overall.