John Steinbeck PDF Timeline with sources

In doing research for Steinbeck Citizen Spy, it became quickly apparent that comparing Steinbeck’s travels and associations with government documentation might help me decipher Steinbeck’s dual life. I did not know what tidbits would be pertinent as I came across events in John’s life, so I compiled as detailed a timeline as possible. The majority of entries have a corresponding reference to aid in returning to material that seemed promising.

The main source for referenced events in this timeline is Steinbeck: A Life in Letters. One has to assume that Steinbeck’s own record is the most accurate available. Where an exact date for an event is in question, I have attempted to note the estimation and why the estimation was made. I’ve also taken the liberty of including major world events into this timeline to place Steinbeck’s life in proper historical context. This PDF is viewable on this site or may be downloaded for viewing offline.