No, I haven't, though I like Steinbeck (being named out of East of Eden, for one thing). I will look for it... but I read and was disturbed by his condemnation of the CP in In Dubious Battle, where he makes his CP lead character an incredible manipulator for whom the ends justify the means. He has an interesting take on what "the masses" are, in that book.

I love The Life of Brian, and for exactly that reason; the political send up of the far left in Britain (or anywhere, really).

Ta very much for the recommendation

maeve66