East of Eden: Chapter 34

5b John Steinbeck. Private printing limited to 125 copies of Chapter 34. In envelope signed by John Steinbeck. 1952. 

Notes

The first ever appearance of an extract from the novel issued prior to its publication in 1952. This copy was mailed by the author to his nephew-in-law, David Heyler. Housed in the original envelope signed and addressed by Steinbeck. From the Mary Steinbeck Dekker Family Collection. 

East of Eden by John Steinbeck is a sweeping, multigenerational novel set in California’s Salinas Valley, exploring themes of good and evil, free will, and the complexities of human nature. Centered around the Trask and Hamilton families, the story parallels the biblical tale of Cain and Abel, especially in the troubled relationship between brothers Cal and Aron Trask. Through vivid landscapes and deeply drawn characters, Steinbeck examines how individuals grapple with inherited sins and moral choices, ultimately suggesting that each person has the power to overcome darkness through conscious effort—encapsulated in the Hebrew word timshel, meaning “thou mayest.”

Description

Very faint traces of soiling to the rear cover of the booklet with a little peripheral toning to the dust wrapper. Red and black lettering throughout.