ACS Monterey Bay Program for May 2010

Ricketts and Steinbeck in the Sea of Cortez

The history of the Monterey Peninsula is rich and diverse and the chapters of that history from the 1930s and 1940s are no exception. During that time Ed Ricketts operated Pacific Biological Laboratories and he wrote the seminal work for marine ecology: Between Pacific Tides (1939).

His close friend, John Steinbeck, was also prolific during that time, publishing many well known and award winning works. Steinbeck was often able to draw on his "local" experiences in his writing and Ed Ricketts was often a model for characters in these books. Perhaps the most well know characterization of Ed was as Doc Ricketts in Cannery Row (1945).

In 1940 these men went on a very real adventure and expedition, sailing from Monterey to the Sea of Cortez (Gulf of California) aboard the Western Flyer. This trip was recorded in print in 1941 in The Sea of Cortez co-authored by Ricketts and Steinbeck and then again in 1951 in The Log from the Sea of Cortez authored by Steinbeck alone.

Our speaker is well suited to provide inside information and insight about these men and this expedition. Dr. Webster has made Peninsula history himself as one of the founders of the Monterey Bay Aquarium, among many other things. As a scientist, his background as an invertebrate zoologist and ecologist allows him to bring a special perspective to this presentation. He has also logged many experiences in Baja California and the Sea of Cortez himself.

Please join us for what promises to be an informative and entertaining evening about these men, who are still a significant part of the Peninsula's history, and their journey to the Sea of Cortez.

Related web pages:

• Back to the Sea of Cortez (2004 expedition retracing the Steinbeck/Ricketts journey)
• Monterey Bay Aquarium
• Cannery Row
• Between Pacific Tides (Fifth Edition)
• The Sea of Cortez
• The Log from the Sea of Cortez
  

• Back to list of previous meetings.