This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

1. 1. A Time To Be Born

   

   Set against the backdrop of New York City on the brink of World War II, this satirical novel delves into the ambitions and relationships of a circle of artistic and literary figures. At its center is a manipulative and ambitious woman who uses her marriage to a wealthy publisher to ascend the social ladder, alongside a cast of characters each navigating their own desires, betrayals, and quests for success. Through sharp wit and keen observation, the narrative explores themes of power, fame, and the complex dynamics of love and friendship in a rapidly changing society.

   The 1678th Greatest Book of All Time

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2. 2. The Happy Island

   A Comedy of Manners

   

   "The Happy Island" is a satirical novel that delves into the bohemian life of New York City in the early 20th century. It follows the story of a young, aspiring actress named Janet who moves to the city with dreams of stardom. As she navigates the vibrant and often chaotic world of theater, she encounters a cast of colorful characters, including writers, artists, and intellectuals, each with their own ambitions and disillusionments. The novel offers a sharp critique of the artistic and social pretensions of the time, exploring themes of ambition, love, and the pursuit of happiness in a society preoccupied with success and appearance.

   The 3630th Greatest Book of All Time

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3. 3. The Wicked Pavilion

   

   "The Wicked Pavilion" explores the vibrant and often hidden lives of the patrons of a popular café in New York City's Greenwich Village. The novel delves into the dreams, disappointments, and intricate relationships of artists, writers, and actors who frequent this bohemian spot, revealing the illusions and realities of their personal and professional lives. Through witty dialogue and incisive social commentary, the narrative paints a vivid picture of post-war American culture and the complexities of striving for success and recognition in the big city.

   The 15901st Greatest Book of All Time

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4. 4. The Golden Spur

   

   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 17122nd Greatest Book of All Time

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5. 5. Novels, 1930 1942

   

   This collection encapsulates a vibrant tapestry of American life during the Great Depression and the early years of World War II, offering a window into the complexities of human relationships and societal norms. Through a series of interconnected narratives, the stories explore themes of ambition, love, and resilience, all set against the backdrop of bustling urban landscapes and the quieter, introspective moments of rural America. The characters, rich in depth and authenticity, navigate the challenges of their time with wit and poignancy, providing a timeless reflection on the enduring human spirit.

6. 6. Dawn Powell

   

   Dawn Powell (November 28, 1896 – November 14, 1965) was an American novelist, playwright, screenwriter, and short story writer. Known for her acerbic prose, "her relative obscurity was likely due to a general distaste for her harsh satiric tone." Nonetheless, Stella Adler and author Clifford Odets appeared in one of her plays. Her work was praised by Robert Benchley in The New Yorker and in 1939 she was signed as a Scribner author where Maxwell Perkins, famous for his work with many of her contemporaries, including Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald and Thomas Wolfe, became her editor. A 1963 nominee for the National Book Award, she received an American Academy of Arts and Letters Marjorie Peabody Waite Award for lifetime achievement in literature the following year. A friend to many literary and arts figures of her day, including author John Dos Passos, critic Edmund Wilson, and poet E. E. Cummings, Powell's work received renewed interest after Gore Vidal praised it in a 1987 editorial for The New York Review of Books. Since then, the Library of America has published two collections of her novels.

7. 7. Turn, Magic Wheel

   

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8. 8. The Locusts Have No King

   

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9. 9. My Home Is Far Away

   

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10. 10. Angels On Toast

    

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