The Grapes of Wrath [Illustrated] by Steinbeck, John - 1940

Heritage Press, 1940. Illustrated Edition. Hardcover. Fine. Inscribed illustrated edition. Inscribed by John Steinbeck on the title page to Mr. and Mrs. O'Quinn. Thomas Hart Benton (illustrator). 559 pgs, 7 7/8" wide x 10 1/4" tall. Illustrated endpapers. Dark tan cloth with silver lettering . All external page edges have been tinted a light yellow by the publisher. The book spine is slightly sunned. Comes in publisher's slipcase, edges worn and top edge on one side split. The book itself is internally unmarked, clean, tightly bound and in fine condition. All housed in a custom-made slipcase. The story of The O'Quinns: In 1955, John Steinbeck came to Austin, Texas, to visit his nephew, Jon Atkinson. Jon was highschool friends with Kerry O'Quinn. During Steinbeck's visit, Kerry went to Jon's house and took his parent's Heritage Club copy of The Grapes of Wrath which Steinbeck signed with the wonderful inscription: "For Mr. & Mrs. Quinn, from John Steinbeck who isn't angry at anybody". FYI: When Jon and Kerry graduated highschool in 1956, their parents gave them a two week trip to New York City. John and Elaine Steinbeck were away at Sag Harbor for the summer but offered them the use of his 5-story townhouse on East 72nd Street, complete with housekeeper and cook. Elaine helped them to get orchestra seats for all the big Broadway musicals including My Fair Lady which was sold out.