In the California apple country, nine hundred migratory workers rise up 'in dubious battle' against the landowners. The group takes on a life of its own-stronger than its individual members and more frightening. Led by the doomed Jim Nolan, the strike is founded on his tragic idealism-on the 'courage never to submit or yield.' Published in 1936, In Dubious Battle is considered the first major work of Pulitzer Prize-winning author John Steinbeck.