The Golden Spur by Dawn Powell

The novel is a satirical exploration of the New York City art world through the eyes of a young Midwestern man who arrives in the city in search of his biological father, a reputed artist. As he delves into the bohemian circles of Greenwich Village, he encounters a colorful cast of characters, including eccentric painters, writers, and critics. His journey becomes a rite of passage, revealing the pretensions and absurdities of the artistic elite, while also offering an affectionate portrait of the city's creative milieu during the mid-20th century. The protagonist's quest for identity and acceptance leads to both comic mishaps and poignant realizations about the nature of art and the complexities of human relationships.

The 5954th greatest book of all time


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Total Points: 66

Since this book was first published in 1962, there is a penalty of 0%. The age adjusted score is 66.0.

This is to prevent newer books from reaching super high on the ranked list of the greatest books of all time. The greatest books should also stand the test of time.