Best Selling Books by Sinclair Lewis

"Babbitt" is a 1922 satirical novel by American writer Sinclair Lewis. It concerns American culture and society, critiquing the emptiness of life in the middle-class and social conformity. This masterful and entertaining tale will appeal to those with an interest in American viscosity in the early twentieth century, and it would make for a worthy addition to any collection. Harry Sinclair Lewis (February 7, 1885 - January 10, 1951), also known as Sinclair Lewis, was an American writer of short stories, novelist, and playwright. He was the first American writer to win the Nobel Prize in Literature, and he was well-known for his profound and profoundly critical ideas pertaining to American capitalism and materialism. Other notable works by this author include: "The Trail of the Hawk: A Comedy of the Seriousness of Life" (1915), "The Job: An American Novel" (1917), and "The Innocents: A Story for Lovers" (1917). Many vintage books such as this are becoming increasingly scarce and expensive. It is with this in mind that we are republishing this volume now in an affordable, modern, high-quality edition complete with a specially commissioned new biography of the author.

“The novel that foreshadowed Donald Trump’s authoritarian appeal.”—Salon It Can’t Happen Here is the only one of Sinclair Lewis’s later novels to match the power of Main Street, Babbitt, and Arrowsmith. A cautionary tale about the fragility of democracy, it is an alarming, eerily timeless look at how fascism could take hold in America. Written during the Great Depression, when the country was largely oblivious to Hitler’s aggression, it juxtaposes sharp political satire with the chillingly realistic rise of a president who becomes a dictator to save the nation from welfare cheats, sex, crime, and a liberal press. Called “a message to thinking Americans” by the Springfield Republican when it was published in 1935, It Can’t Happen Here is a shockingly prescient novel that remains as fresh and contemporary as today’s news. Includes an Introduction by Michael Meyer and an Afterword by Gary Scharnhorst

Let''s play king -- The willow walk -- The cat of the stars -- Land -- A letter from the queen -- The Ghost Patrol -- Things -- Young man, Axelbrod -- Speed -- The kidnaped memorial -- Moths in the arc light -- The hack driver -- Go East, young man.

"Main Street" by Sinclair Lewis is a novel that explores the life of Carol Milford, a young and idealistic woman who marries Dr. Will Kennicott and moves to his hometown of Gopher Prairie, Minnesota. The story begins with Carol''s journey from St. Paul to Gopher Prairie, where she is initially excited about the prospect of transforming the small town into a place of beauty and culture. However, upon arrival, she is disillusioned by the town''s drabness and the complacency of its residents. Despite her initial enthusiasm, Carol struggles to adapt to the provincial life and the conservative mindset of the townspeople. She finds herself at odds with the community''s resistance to change and their lack of appreciation for her efforts to introduce new ideas and improvements. Throughout the novel, Carol''s journey is one of self-discovery and a quest for meaning in a world that often seems resistant to progress. Her interactions with the townspeople, including her husband, reveal the complexities of small-town life and the challenges of balancing personal aspirations with societal expectations. As Carol navigates her new life, she grapples with themes of individuality, conformity, and the pursuit of happiness. "Main Street" is a poignant exploration of the American small-town experience and the struggle to find one''s place within it.

A neglected tour de force by the first American to win the Nobel Prize in literature, Kingsblood Royal is a stirring and wickedly funny portrait of a man who resigns from the white race. When Neil Kingsblood a typical middle-American banker with a comfortable life makes the shocking discovery that he has African-American blood, the odyssey that ensues creates an unforgettable portrayal of two Americas, one black, one white. As timely as when it was first published in 1947, one need only open today''s newspaper to see the same issues passionately being discussed between blacks and whites that we find in Kingsblood Royal, says Charles Johnson. Perhaps only now can we fully appreciate Sinclair Lewis''s astonishing achievement.

Elmer Gantry isn’t suited to be a lawyer, so he becomes a preacher instead. Although he experiences a variety of failures, and even more successes, Gantry ultimately finds this new career path suits him very well indeed—despite his drinking and womanizing. Throughout his time as a preacher Gantry progresses through the hierarchies of the Baptist and Methodist churches, dabbles in revivalism and “New Thought,” and even experiments with politics, all the while emerging from scandals relatively unscathed and ready to move onward and upward once again. Sinclair Lewis published the satirical Elmer Gantry in 1927 much to the dismay of the religious community. It was denounced from the pulpit, banned by many, and even engendered threats of violence. Despite this—or perhaps because of it—it went on to become a massive success and the best selling novel of that year. One of the most savage satirical assaults against institutionalized religion and its hypocrisy in American literature, Elmer Gantry continues to be a window into a particularly important aspect of American history. This book is part of the Standard Ebooks project, which produces free public domain ebooks.

In "Free Air," Sinclair Lewis presents a poignant exploration of the American landscape during the early 20th century, deftly intertwining themes of freedom, individuality, and social class. Through the journey of a young woman, Claire, who embarks on a road trip across the Midwest in a Ford Model T, Lewis employs a rich tapestry of vivid descriptions and sharp characterizations. The novel''s literary style reflects the burgeoning modernist movement, incorporating elements of realism and satire to critique the socio-economic conditions of the time while celebrating the emerging spirit of mobility and adventure that characterized American life. Sinclair Lewis, acclaimed as the first American to win the Nobel Prize in Literature, was deeply influenced by his own experiences growing up in the Midwest. His sharp observations of small-town life, coupled with his understanding of the American Dream, position "Free Air" as both a personal and political tribute to the struggles and aspirations of ordinary individuals. Drawing from his own childhood road trips, Lewis crafts a narrative that scrutinizes cultural norms and advocates for personal liberty, reflecting his commitment to social commentary. "Free Air" is a compelling read for anyone interested in early 20th-century American literature and those who seek a nuanced perspective on the quest for freedom and identity in a rapidly changing society. Lewis''s insightful prose and engaging narrative style invite readers to reflect on the intricate relationship between place and identity, making this novel a timeless exploration of the human condition.

In this sardonic portrait of the up-and-coming middle class during the prosperous 1920s, Sinclair Lewis (1885-1951) perfectly captures the sound, the feel, and the attitudes of the generation that created the cult of consumerism. With a sharp eye for detail and keen powers of observation, Lewis tracks successful realtor George Babbitt''s daily struggles to rise to the top of his profession while maintaining his reputation as an upstanding family man.On the surface, Babbitt appears to be the quintessential middle-class embodiment of conservative values and enthusiasm for the well-to-do lifestyle of the small entrepreneur. But beneath the complacent facade, he also experiences a rising, nameless discontent. These feelings eventually lead Babbitt into risky escapades that threaten his family and his standing in the community.

High quality reprint of Arrowsmith by Sinclair Lewis.