Sinclair Lewis

Sinclair Lewis was an American novelist, short-story writer, and playwright. Born on February 7, 1885, in Sauk Centre, Minnesota, he became the first writer from the United States to receive the Nobel Prize in Literature, which was awarded to him in 1930. Lewis is known for his sharp social criticism and insightful portrayal of American life in the early 20th century. His most famous works include 'Main Street' (1920), 'Babbitt' (1922), 'Arrowsmith' (1925), 'Elmer Gantry' (1927), and 'Dodsworth' (1929). His writing often explored the tensions between traditional values and the social changes brought about by modernity and materialism. Lewis passed away on January 10, 1951.

Books

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. Babbitt

    "Babbitt" is a satirical novel that explores the life of a prosperous, middle-aged businessman living in a Midwestern city during the 1920s. Despite his apparent success and conformity to societal norms, the protagonist feels a deep dissatisfaction with his life and the monotony of his daily routines. This leads him to rebel against the conservative values of his community, resulting in personal and social upheaval. The book critically examines the American middle class and the pressures of conformism, materialism, and status anxiety.

  2. 2. Main Street

    This novel is a satirical critique of small-town life, following the story of a young, ambitious woman who moves from the city to a quiet, conservative town in the Midwest with her new husband. Despite her attempts to bring culture and progress to the town, she is met with resistance and ostracism from the closed-minded locals. The protagonist's struggle against traditional norms and her ultimate disillusionment highlight the stifling conformity and lack of intellectual stimulation in rural America.

  3. 3. Arrowsmith

    The novel follows the life of a bright and dedicated young man, Martin Arrowsmith, who dreams of making significant contributions to medical science. He faces a constant struggle between his ambition and the demands of his professional and personal life. His journey takes him from a small Midwestern town to the prestigious universities of the East Coast, and eventually to a deadly outbreak in the Caribbean. Throughout his journey, he grapples with the corruption, greed, and mediocrity that he finds pervading the medical field, all while trying to remain true to his scientific ideals.

  4. 4. Dodsworth

    The novel follows the journey of Sam Dodsworth, a recently retired American automobile magnate, as he embarks on a European tour with his restless wife Fran. Throughout their travels, the couple encounters cultural differences and personal revelations that test their marriage and individual values. As Fran seeks excitement and social status among the European elite, Sam finds himself drawn to the continent's history and slower pace of life. The narrative explores themes of American versus European sensibilities, the search for identity and purpose in later life, and the strains of marriage against the backdrop of changing social norms in the early 20th century.

  5. 5. It Can't Happen Here

    The novel is a cautionary tale that depicts the rise of a populist politician who becomes President of the United States by exploiting economic and social fears. Once in power, he imposes authoritarian rule, tramples on civil liberties, and pushes the country toward fascism. The story serves as a grim warning about the fragility of democracy and the dangers of demagoguery, illustrating how easily a free society can be overtaken by a dictatorship when the populace is swayed by promises of easy solutions to complex problems.