What does the cryptic crossword clue "American author in German vessel on water (9)" mean?

The definition is "Am". The wordplay uses a charade (building blocks). STEIN (synonym="‘German vessel’ for beer") + BECK (synonym="a stream, ‘water’") = STEINBECK; definition: "American author" The answer is STEINBECK.

American author in German vessel on water (9)

Guardian Cryptic #29304 | 27 Across | 2024-02-13 flower

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