John Steinbeck - Biographical
http://www.nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/literature/laureates/1962/steinbeck-bio.html
A brief biography of Steinbeck from the Nobel Prize website. Also includes video footage of his banquet speech, the presentation ceremony, and additional bits of information on the author.
Ed Ricketts and the 'Dream' of Cannery Row
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=1252560
NPR story detailing the real-life street on which Steinbeck based Cannery Row. An interesting look into what influenced the author, and may provide students with relevant information as they read the book.