Renaissance Man of Cannery Row

Explore the captivating life and work of Edward F. Ricketts, the inspiration behind John Steinbeck's most empathetic characters. Ricketts was a marine biologist, writer, and philosopher who exchanged ideas with prominent thinkers and artists, including Steinbeck himself. Through 125 unpublished letters housed at Stanford University Library, we gain insight into Ricketts's interests and accomplishments during the most productive years of his life. His contributions to ecological conservation and holistic science are reflected in his publications, such as Between Pacific Tides and The Sea of Cortez. Gain a deeper understanding of this Renaissance Man of Cannery Row through this illuminating portrait.