A compelling story of two outsiders striving to find their place in an unforgiving world, John Steinbeck's "Of Mice and Men" includes an introduction by Susan Shillinglaw in "Penguin Classics". Drifters in search of work, George and his childlike friend Lennie, have nothing in the world except the clothes on their back - and a dream that one day they will have some land of their own. Eventually they find work on a ranch in California's Salinas Valley, but their hopes are dashed as Lennie - struggling against extreme cruelty, misunderstanding and feelings of jealousy - becomes a victim of his own strength. Tackling universal themes of friendship and shared vision, and giving a voice to America's lonely and dispossessed, "Of Mice and Men" remains Steinbeck's most popular work, achieving success as a novel, Broadway play and three acclaimed films.
