Travels with Charley was published in 1962. John Steinbeck was living in Long Island, NY, at the time but had just returned from living abroad for many years. Steinbeck was a writer who was really vested in what was happening in his country, as is evidenced by the social commentary that populates so many of his great books. But after being gone so long, he felt like he was out of touch with America, especially the people and the culture. As a remedy, he set out on a long, cross-country road trip in his souped up camper/truck, Rocinante (named, fittingly, for Don Quixote’s horse), with only his standard poodle, Charley, for company.
Steinbeck’s route took him up to Maine and then he headed west through the northern states, took a left when he reached Washington and then spent some time reminiscing in California, where he was born. From there, he headed east through the southern states. He completely missed the heartland, perhaps because he knew we were doing just fine.
