Find out more about John Steinbeck, the Nobel-Prize winning author of Of Mice and Men. Visit the San Jose State University's Center for Steinbeck Studies. Also, be sure to see Mike Henry's excellent John Steinbeck Bibliography Pages. Both sites can provide you with lots of information, as well as many additional links to information about the author and his writings.

Did you know that Steinbeck's novel is one of the most frequently banned books in the United States? There are others. Read the list and find out what you might be missing. Why are some books banned? Read a short article from the Christian Science Monitor to discover the answer.

Of Mice and Men, published in 1937, takes place during an era in United States history called the Great Depression. One excellent online source for learning about the Great Depression is the New Deal Network. There you'll find numerous documents and photographs from the era, including pictures that document the life of migrant workers like George and Lennie.

One of the most famous photographers of this era was Dorothea Lange. See an online exhibition of her work and get a feel for the times and the people.

One of the issues raised in the novel is that of mental retardation. It's still a subject about which too many of us know too little. Read an introduction to mental retardation and take a look at some questions and answers about mental retardation.

Ever wonder about the title of the book? Did you think it referred to the dead rodent in Lennie's pocket? Think again! It actually comes from a poem by Scottish poet Robert Burns (1759-1796). Read To A Mouse, On Turning Up Her Nest With The Plough, November, 1785 (and pay special attention to the seventh stanza!).

If Lennie's passion for raising rabbits has aroused your curiosity about the little critters, find out more from the House Rabbit Society. There are lots of pictures there -- go and pet the virtual bunnies!