Michael J. Meyer – författare

One of the great American authors of the 20th century, John Steinbeck (1902-1968) continues to be a focus of academic study and the source of interest to readers around the globe. All of the Nobel-prize winner's major works remain in print, as new generations discover the power of such novels as Of Mice and Men, East of Eden, and The Grapes of Wrath, as well as nonfiction works like Travels with Charley, The Log from the Sea of Cortez and America and Americans. In addition to reissued works by Steinbeck, each year new articles and books are written about him, examining the themes of his works and his impact on literature.With such a prolific output, bibliographic resources have become a necessity, and in 1967, Scarecrow Press published the first Steinbeck bibliography, with subsequent volumes following in 1974, 1981, and 1998. In the latest volume, Steinbeck scholar and historian Michael J. Meyer has compiled Steinbeck material written or published between 1996 and 2006.The John Steinbeck Bibliography: 1996-2006 includes thousands of citations that cover a broad range of publications, including newspaper articles, full length critical studies, dissertations, theses, book reviews in English, and missed work from previous volumes, as well as websites and other media. The bibliography also cites foreign language translations of Steinbeck's works as well as foreign language books, journals and reviews. The comprehensive index will help scholars determine which entries are related to various novels, themes and historical events that are part of the Steinbeck canon. As a resource for literature scholars and researchers, The John Steinbeck Bibliography: 1996-2006 will prove to be as invaluable as the previous volumes.

First published in 1937, Of Mice and Men has been a staple of American literature ever since. Divided by decade, The Essential Criticism of John Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men provides an overview of criticism over the 70 years the book has been in print. Michael J. Meyer has assembled significant articles and book excerpts from critics and reviewers, citing the early book reviews and highlighting some of the most significant essays.While not all critical studies are included, those assessments not present in the text are evaluated by summaries and their bibliographic citations are given. The essays express various critical approaches, including those that criticize the book and examine what some consider the book's flaws. Ideal for research work at all levels, this volume collects in one place the most significant contributions to the study of the novel, making it a welcome addition to the canon of Steinbeck criticism.

In 1960, To Kill a Mockingbird was published to critical acclaim. To commemorate To Kill a Mockingbird's 50th anniversary, Michael J. Meyer has assembled a collection of new essays that celebrate this enduring work of American literature. These essays approach the novel from educational, legal, social, and thematic perspectives.Harper Lee's only novel won the Pulitzer Prize and was transformed into a beloved film starring Gregory Peck as Atticus Finch. An American classic that frequently appears in middle school and high school curriculums, the novel has been subjected to criticism for its subject matter and language. Still relevant and meaningful, To Kill a Mockingbird has nonetheless been under-appreciated by many critics. There are few books that address Lee's novel's contribution to the American canon and still fewer that offer insights that can be used by teachers and by students.These essays suggest that author Harper Lee deserves more credit for skillfully shaping a masterpiece that not only addresses the problems of the 1930s but also helps its readers see the problems and prejudices the world faces today. Intended for high school and undergraduate usage, as well as for teachers planning to use To Kill a Mockingbird in their classrooms, this collection will be a valuable resource for all teachers of American literature.