John Dos Passos

John Dos Passos was an American novelist and social critic, best known for his U.S.A. trilogy, which consists of the novels 'The 42nd Parallel', '1919', and 'The Big Money'. His work is characterized by its experimental use of narrative techniques and its social and political commentary. Dos Passos was a prominent literary figure in the first half of the 20th century, and his works continue to be studied for their historical and critical insights.

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. U.S.A. Trilogy

    The U.S.A. Trilogy is a series of three novels that chronicle the lives of various characters in the first half of the 20th century in the United States. The narrative intertwines the stories of twelve characters as they navigate the societal changes and upheavals of the era, including World War I, the Great Depression, and the rise of Hollywood. The author uses a unique narrative technique that combines traditional prose, newspaper-style headlines, biographies, and stream-of-consciousness writing to paint a vivid picture of American life during this period.

  2. 2. Manhattan Transfer

    This novel presents a panoramic view of New York City between the 1890s and the 1920s, capturing the sense of the city through the lives of its inhabitants. The narrative weaves together the stories of numerous characters from diverse backgrounds, including immigrants, businessmen, and bohemians. These characters' lives intersect and diverge, reflecting the dynamism and complexity of the city itself. The city is portrayed as a place of both opportunity and disillusionment, where dreams are both realized and shattered.

  3. 3. The 42nd Parallel

    "The 42nd Parallel" is a novel that explores the lives of several characters in the early 20th century United States. The narrative intertwines the stories of five protagonists as they navigate through various historical events and social changes such as labor strikes, World War I, and the Mexican Revolution. The book is notable for its experimental style, which includes the use of "Newsreel" and "Camera Eye" sections that incorporate newspaper clippings, song lyrics, and stream-of-consciousness writing to reflect the chaotic and rapidly changing times.

  4. 4. Nineteen Nineteen

    "Nineteen Nineteen" is the second novel in a trilogy that explores the social and political changes in the United States during the early 20th century. It uses a unique narrative style that blends traditional storytelling with newspaper clippings, song lyrics, and biographies of historical figures. The book focuses on the year 1919, a time of significant upheaval in America and abroad, and follows a diverse group of characters as they navigate these tumultuous times.