STEINBECK, John (1902-1968). Autograph letter signed ("John Steinbeck"), to Bryan Dobell. New York, NY, 2 February 1965. 1 page, 4to, on personal stationery, creased. Byron Dobell, managing editor at Esquire, was influential in the careers of Tom Wolfe and Mario Puzo. Steinbeck, who was working on America and Americans at the time, writes to decline an invitation: "Thank you for your invitation to participate in the Esquire Symposium. I can't do it but I am deeply sensible of the compliment of being asked."