Cup of Gold: A Life of Sir Henry Morgan, Buccaneer, with Occasional Reference to History (1929) is John Steinbeck's first novel, a work of historical fiction based loosely on the life and death of 17th-century privateer Henry Morgan.

It centres on Morgan's assault and sacking of Panama City (the "Cup of Gold"), and the woman (La Santa Roja, or the Red Saint) he seeks there, reputed to be fairer than the sun.

[1][2] As of January 1, 2025 the book is in the public domain in the United States, becoming the first of Steinbeck’s novels to no longer be under copyright.

The old farm hand tells Old Robert (with Henry listening) his colorful tales of the Caribbean, then leaves by morning.

Henry becomes a famous pirate captain with two goals: to capture Panama from the Spanish, and to win the heart of the Red Saint (La Santa Roja).