WITH STEINBECK in the SEA of CORTEZ

This book captures the essence of a rollicking six-week tour of the scenic Sea of Cortez. For Steinbeck and his friend, “Doe” Rickettes, it was designed to be a marine biology expedition with some philosophical observations thrown in. It resulted in a book by Steinbeck, The Log to the Sea of Cortez, and some marine biology discoveries by Rickettes. For Sparky and his friend, Tiny, it turned out to be a six-week party. While John and Doe collected specimens, Sparky and Tiny focused on booze and broads. They also observed Steinbeck and his friends and provided us with an “inside” look at the relationships, work habits, and the leisure pursuits of a great author. Sparky’s stories and observations add a new and rare dimension to Steinbeck’s stories.