In 1960, when he was almost sixty years old, John Steinbeck set out to rediscover his native l&. He felt that he might have lost touch with its sights, sounds & the essence of its people. Accompanied only by his dog, Charley, he travelled across the United States in a pick-up truck. His journey took him through almost forty states, & he saw things that made him proud, angry, sympathetic & elated. All that he saw & experienced is described with remarkable honesty & insight.