Wow. Sweet Thursday is my favorite novel of all time.

Read it the first time as a freshman in high school; had a
tattered paperback copy issued to me. Liked it so much I asked
the teacher if I could keep it. I still have it.

I've been down to Cannery Row, before and after its revival,
taken in and photographed all the old haunts of Doc, Mack,
and the boys. Actually sang sea music at the grand opening
of the aquarium.

I admire the real life Ed Ricketts as much as his fictional
archetype.

I don't suppose I can afford that manuscript though.