New Delhi, May 22 -- John Steinbeck, born in Salinas, California, in 1902, became one of the most important American writers of the 20th century. His work often focused on ordinary people under economic, social and emotional pressure, especially workers, migrants, farmers and families struggling through the Great Depression. His major books include Of Mice and Men, The Grapes of Wrath, Cannery Row, East of Eden and Travels with Charley. Steinbeck received the 1962 Nobel Prize in Literature for his "realistic and imaginative writings" marked by sympathetic humour and social perception.

"Try to understand each other."- John Steinbeck

The line is often quoted from a fuller Steinbeck reflection: "Try to understand men, if you understand eac...