In 1940, John Steinbeck set out on an expedition with his friend Ed Ricketts, the biologist on whom he based the character of Doc in Cannery Row. Taking a sardine boat, Western Flyer, out of Monterey, California, they embarked on a 4,000-mile trip into the Sea of Cortez that combined the scientific collection and observation of marine life with high adventure, philosophy, ethics and art. The log of this journey gives a much rounder picture of Steinbeck – and h is beliefs about man and the world – than any of his fictional works. This edition also contains Steinbeck's affectionate portrait of his friend, 'About Ed Ricketts'.