SESSION: 
Open Wednesday through Sunday 10am to 5pm, Holiday Hours: CLOSED Thanksgiving Eve and Day, Christmas Eve and Day, New Year's Eve and Day, Easter Sunday, and July Fourth

Join us for the first Author Night of 2026 featuring esteemed local writer Miguel A. Hernandez!

Miguel Hernandez Bio

Join us for Miguel Hernandez’s Author Night on January 23rd at the National Steinbeck Center for a reading and discussion of his latest book, Lucky Lawyer II! Be prepared for a night of snacks, fun, and an in-depth talk led by Miguel. You can use the QR code or the following link to register for this January Author Night. We hope to see you there!

Manuscripts

John Steinbeck Letters

War Journal First Page

Ranging from 1935 to 1969, the National Steinbeck Center is home to seven handwritten and typewritten original manuscripts of Steinbeck’s works.

  • “The Snake.” Typescript. Includes author’s handwritten note on page one, ca 1935
  • “War Journal.” Partial holograph manuscript, written in a spiral-bound composition book, ca 1943
  • “War Journal.” Partial holograph manuscript, written in a spiral-bound composition book, ca 1943
  • “The Wizard of Maine.” Holograph manuscript, written in a hard-cover notebook, ca 1944
  • “The Pearl.” Holograph manuscript, ca 1947
  • “Roots.” Holograph manuscript, published as I go back to Ireland, ca 1953
  • “Sweet Thursday.” Fragments of holograph manuscript and typescript, ca 1953.
  • “Merry Christmas to all Authorized Personnel.” Typescript with corrections, ca 1969