Contains nine essays originally written since the early 1980's, all of which have been extensively revised and updated specifically for this collection. Part one, creative reading/creative writing, discusses the influential importance of reading and textual appropriation in Steinbeck's life and career. Part two, negotiating texts, includes three essays that make use of previously little-known or unpublished Steinbeck documents relating to the composition and reception of three major novels. Part three contains off-beat topics, including a speculative biography and the title essay, which weaves traditional scholarship with personal memoir. Annotation copyrighted by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR