Ethan Canin

Ethan Canin is an American author, educator, and physician. He is known for his novels and short stories, including 'Emperor of the Air' and 'A Doubter's Almanac.' Canin has also taught at the Iowa Writers' Workshop.

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. Emperor Of The Air

    Emperor of the Air assembles stories about people confronting family strain and personal crises. Whether they are trying to save trees in their yards, repair failing marriages, or find themselves, the characters reach moments of revelation. The collection renders those moments with rich observation, energy, humor, and grace. Canin's prose combines energy and rich observation with compassion toward his characters' struggles.

    The 13958th Greatest Book of All Time
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  2. 2. The Palace Thief

    The story revolves around a history teacher named Mr. Hundert, who becomes deeply involved in the lives of his students, particularly one named Sedgewick Bell. As Mr. Hundert grapples with his own principles and the ethical dilemmas posed by his interactions with Sedgewick, he reflects on the impact of his decisions over the years. The narrative explores themes of integrity, ambition, and the lasting influence of educators, ultimately revealing the complexities of human character and the consequences of moral compromise.

    The 17010th Greatest Book of All Time
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  3. 3. A Doubter's Almanac

    In this compelling narrative, the story follows the life of Milo Andret, a brilliant yet troubled mathematician whose genius is both a gift and a curse. Set against the backdrop of academia and personal turmoil, the novel delves into the complexities of Milo's relationships, his struggles with addiction, and the impact of his choices on his family. As the narrative unfolds, it explores themes of ambition, legacy, and the relentless pursuit of knowledge, painting a poignant portrait of a man grappling with the duality of his extraordinary mind and the ordinary challenges of life.

  4. 4. America America

    Set against the backdrop of the 1970s political landscape, this compelling narrative follows the life of Corey Sifter, a young man from a working-class family who becomes entangled in the world of wealth and power. As he is drawn into the orbit of the influential Metarey family, Corey witnesses the complexities and moral ambiguities of political ambition and personal loyalty. Through his eyes, the story explores themes of privilege, responsibility, and the often blurred lines between right and wrong, ultimately reflecting on the American dream and its discontents.