Renaissance Man of Cannery Row: The Life and Letters of Edward F. Ricketts

The collection features 125 unpublished letters from marine biologist Edward F. Ricketts, showcasing his vibrant intellectual exchanges with notable figures like John Steinbeck, Henry Miller, and Joseph Campbell. These correspondences, set against the backdrop of his Monterey Bay laboratory in the 1930s and 1940s, highlight Ricketts's diverse interests and significant contributions as a scientist, writer, and philosopher. The letters offer a glimpse into the Bohemian culture and rich discussions that defined his life during its most productive years.