A novel that fearlessly explores the line between principled defiance & blind fanaticism John Steinbecks In Dubious Battle" contains an introduction & notes by Warren French in " Penguin Modern Classics". This book is brutal. I wanted to be merely a recording consciousness Steinbeck said of " In Dubious Battle" which aroused immense controversy when first published in 1936. It follows the fortunes of Jim Nolan disenfranchised & alone his family destroyed by the system. Desperate to find his place in the world Jim joins the Communist Party & becomes entangled in a strike of migrant workers which spirals out of control unflinchingly detailing the apocalyptic violence that breaks out when the masses become the mob. This fast-paced compelling novel is at once a brilliant observation of social & political turmoil & a moving story of a young mans struggle for identity. " In Dubious Battle" explores & dramatises many of the ideas & themes key to Steinbecks writing. John Steinbeck (1902-68) winner of the Pulitzer Prize & the Nobel Prize for literature is remembered as one of the greatest & best-loved American writers of the twentieth century. During the Second World War Steinbeck served as a war correspondent his journalism later collected in " Once There Was a War" (1958) & he was awarded the Norwegian Cross of Freedom for his portrayal in " The Moon is Down" (1942) of Resistance efforts in northern Europe. His best-known works include the epics " The Grapes of Wrath" (1939) & " East of Eden" (1952) & his tragic novella " Of Mice & Men" (1937). John Steinbecks complete works are published in " Penguin Modern Classics". If you enjoyed " In Dubious Battle" you might also like Upton Sinclairs " The Jungle" also available in " Penguin Classics". " Sweeps along with the torrential impetus of a great natural fire impelled by a poetic energy". (" Guardian"). " Dramatically intense beautifully written. It is the real thing; it has a vigour of sheer storytelling that may sweep away many prejudices". (" New Republic")."