Skip to product information
1 of 1

Bust-Down Books

The Pearl | John Steinbeck

The Pearl | John Steinbeck

Regular price $5.99 USD
Regular price Sale price $5.99 USD
Sale Sold out
Duties included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

The Pearl

ISBN-13 9780140177374
ISBN-10 014017737X
Author John Steinbeck
Format Trade Paperback
Publisher Penguin Books
Publication Date February 01, 1993
Page Count 96
Subjects Classics, Literary Fiction, Psychological Fiction

Extended Synopsis

“There it lay, the great pearl, perfect as the moon.” In this classic of American literature, Nobel Prize-winning author John Steinbeck weaves a haunting allegory based on a Mexican folk tale. The story follows Kino, a pearl diver who lives a life of meager subsistence with his wife, Juana, and their infant son. His existence is forever altered when he discovers "The Pearl of the World," a gem of immense size and beauty.

What initially promises a future of hope, comfort, and security quickly devolves into a destructive pursuit that mirrors the darkest depths of human greed. The Pearl is a masterclass in simplicity, exploring the complex secrets of human nature, the corrupting influence of wealth, and the luminous, yet fragile, possibilities of love. This edition features evocative interior drawings by Jose Clemente Orozco, perfectly capturing the atmospheric tension of Steinbeck’s prose.

Accolades & Legacy

  • Literary Significance: A staple of mid-20th-century literature and frequently cited for its allegorical power.
  • Artistic Collaboration: This specific layout features distinctive artistic contributions by Jose Clemente Orozco, enhancing the narrative's emotional resonance.
  • Academic Standard: Widely studied for its themes of morality, colonialism, and human nature.

Reader Targeting

  • Students of literature examining allegorical storytelling and social commentary.
  • Collectors of classic 20th-century American fiction.
  • Readers who appreciate concise, punchy prose that carries deep philosophical and psychological weight.

About the Author

John Steinbeck (1902–1968) was an American author of 27 books, including 16 novels, 6 non-fiction books, and 5 collections of short stories. He was awarded the 1962 Nobel Prize in Literature "for his realistic and imaginative writings, combining as they do sympathetic humour and keen social perception." His works remain among the most widely read and influential in the American literary canon.


Bust-Down Books: Armed With Education

View full details