Cup of Gold

By John Steinbeck

Book Overview

"A storm-borne tale of ambition, conquest, and the shadowed cost of glory."

Before The Grapes of Wrath and Of Mice and Men, John Steinbeck launched his literary career with a dazzling, swashbuckling novel that seethes with passion, piracy, and the hunger for immortality. Cup of Gold is the epic and haunting story of Henry Morgan, a restless Welshman who abandons his quiet homeland in pursuit of fame, fortune, and legend on the high seas.

Drawn by whispers of the infamous "Cup of Gold"-the rumored wealth and beauty of Panama's golden city and its mysterious woman-Morgan becomes a pirate king, forging his name in blood and fire. But as the spoils grow and enemies fall, so too does the line between triumph and torment, as Morgan must confront the aching emptiness behind his conquests.

Steinbeck's debut blends lyrical prose and psychological depth with high adventure and historical drama, offering a richly imagined portrait of a man chasing greatness-and the ruin it can bring. Cup of Gold is a forgotten gem: darkly romantic, boldly written, and utterly intoxicating.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1515465810
• ISBN13: 9781515465812
• Release Date: July 2025
• Publisher: Positronic Publishing
• Length: 156 Pages
• Weight: 0.84 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Priceless Jewel

"Cup of Gold" is described as being the tale of Sir Henry Morgan with occasional references to history. Being unfamiliar with pirate folklore, I am not certain what aspects of the book are fact. I am certain that this book is divergent from Steinbeck's usual path of storytelling. This is a play of the morals and the values of society as Steinbeck usually discusses. However, the story is set far away from Steinbeck's familiar California backdrop. When Henry Morgan leaves home to explore the Indies in search of riches, he leaves behind a loving family and his young love Elizabeth. After several interruptions including being sold into slavery, Henry has the opportunity to reach for success. Using money he has earned, he leases a pirate ship to begin his conquests. Using his unorthodox methods, he expands his fleet to respectability. However, one thing still alludes him, love. He tries to gain love through friendship, but longs for the love of La Santa Roja. Henry conquers the ultimate prize in Panama with the explicit goal of finding La Santa Roja. However, Henry is devastated to find that this fiery woman is beyond his control. Realizing his failure, he abandons the pirate life and attempts to return to a life of legitimacy. Even through this path and his marriage to his cousin, he finds he still lacks love. On his deathbed he realizes the love his wife has for him, but his lack of love during his life makes him feel like a failure. In death, he realizes he never really had anything. "Cup of Gold" explores the ultimate conflict that exists between love and power. The lust for power is so insatiable that it can make one unable to be loved or to give love. While in the story it applies to a wealthy man, it is a reality for the common man as well. While using a pirate's life as a device to present this moral may seem to alienate some readers, I would suggest this book is on par with Steinbeck's other work. It is a masterpiece.

muy buena prosa

me gusto mucho este libro, aunque no exponga las ideas del autor maduro, muestra una gran desenvoltura de su prosa, muy buen libro para ser el primero y claro que no debemos esperar fidelidad historica de el, ya que es una novela, no un libro de texto, solo debemos deleitarnos en su exquisita prosa, como se degusta un manjar antes del plato principal que seria su obra, las uvas de la ira. luis mendez

as usual, steinbeck wrote a truely brilliant novel

as usual, steinbeck wrote a truely brilliant nove

An early glimpse of a dedicated writer.

Steinbeck did not wish to be referred to as an "author." He has shown from this work through to the last (Winter of Our Discontent) what it takes to answer the demand of a talented and dedicated"writer." Here, an exciting tale carries the reader off on high sea adventures. One is catapulted into circumstances of an historical era which take on the aura of reality. Giving , in the bargin, a new value system for the" trade" of piracy. Read this and then read on through this author's multi-faceted offerings!

A must for all Stienbeck readers.

It is very interesting to see a great author evolve. In this book, we have the chance to see Steinbeck "in the rough". This first published work of Steinbeck gives the reader the chance to see how a good author becomes a great author.