John Dos Passos

John Roderigo Dos Passos was an American novelist and artist. He is best known for his U.S.A. trilogy, which is a major work of American modernism.

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 42nd Parallel, 1919, The Big Money

    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.

    The 187th Greatest Book of All Time
  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.

    The 672nd Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. The 42nd Parallel

    U.S.A.

    "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.

    The 2135th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. Three Soldiers

    This novel delves into the experiences of three American soldiers during World War I, exploring the profound impact of war on their lives, beliefs, and identities. Set against the backdrop of the conflict's brutal realities, it presents a gritty and unromanticized view of military life and the disillusionment felt by many who served. The narrative follows the soldiers as they navigate the challenges of the battlefield, confront the bureaucracy and rigid hierarchies of the military, and struggle with their own personal battles and disillusionments. Through their stories, the book critiques the ideals of heroism and patriotism, presenting a stark, realistic portrayal of the war's psychological toll on individuals.

    The 4918th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. Nineteen Nineteen

    The 1919 Trilogy

    "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.

    The 11238th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. The Big Money

    The 42nd Parallel, 1919, and The Big Money are part of the "U.S.A. Trilogy

    "The Big Money" is the final installment in a trilogy that explores the social and political landscape of the United States during the first three decades of the 20th century. The narrative is a blend of fictional characters and real historical figures, presenting a critical view of capitalism and its impact on American society. The novel also employs unique narrative techniques, such as "Newsreels" with headlines and fragments from contemporary records, and "Camera Eye" with stream-of-consciousness passages, providing a multifaceted portrayal of the era.