Author
Sinclair Lewis
1885-1951
Sinclair Lewis (1885-1951) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
WikipediaSubjects
Books by Sinclair Lewis
Main Street
"Main Street" by Sinclair Lewis is a novel published in 1920. It satirizes small-town life through Carol Milford Kennicott, an idealistic young woman who moves to Gopher Prairie, Minnesota, and clashes with its narrow-minded residents. Determined to bring progressive change and beauty to the drab town, Carol faces constant resistance from the conservative community. The novel explores her struggles between conformity and independence, tradition and reform, in a provincial American setting that refuses to embrace her vision.
Babbitt
"Babbitt" by Sinclair Lewis is a satirical novel published in 1922. It follows George F. Babbitt, a middle-aged real estate broker who appears to embody the American Dream—success, conformity, and middle-class respectability. Yet beneath his comfortable existence lies growing dissatisfaction. When his best friend's life unravels, Babbitt begins questioning everything he once valued, launching into rebellion against social conventions. His journey explores the emptiness of conformity and the cost of living according to others' expectations in 1920s America.
The Trail of the Hawk: A Comedy of the Seriousness of Life
"The Trail of the Hawk: A Comedy of the Seriousness of Life" by Sinclair Lewis is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story begins with the youthful adventures of Carl Ericson, a boy brimming with mischief and imagination in his small hometown of Joralemon, Minnesota. As Carl navigates the challenges of childhood and the expectations of his Norwegian-American heritage, the novel delves into themes of personal growth and the search for meaning amid the mundane aspects of life. At the start of the narrative, we meet Carl Ericson, an imaginative eight-year-old boy engaged in a variety of mischievous activities, including pretending to lead armies and fantasizing about hunting and adventure. His interactions with his family reveal a blend of fondness and tension, particularly with his strict father. Dreaming of exploring the world beyond his backyard, Carl's adventures lead him to a chance encounter with Gertie Cowles, a girl who has just moved to his town. Their initial interactions highlight both the innocence of childhood and the onset of adolescent feelings, setting the stage for a journey that will see Carl evolve from a playful boy into a young man wrestling with his identity and aspirations.
Elmer Gantry
"Elmer Gantry" by Sinclair Lewis is a satirical novel published in 1927. It follows a charismatic but morally corrupt preacher who rises through American evangelical and fundamentalist circles despite his hypocrisy, womanizing, and thirst for power. As Gantry climbs from small fringe churches to become a major force in the Methodist Church, his manipulations and scandals destroy lives around him while he barely escapes ruin himself. The novel offers a biting critique of 1920s religious culture and created enormous controversy upon publication.
Arrowsmith
"Arrowsmith" by Sinclair Lewis is a novel published in 1925. It follows Martin Arrowsmith, a scientifically minded young man from small-town Midwest, as he navigates his tumultuous journey through medical school and research to the elite scientific community of New York. Along the way, he faces romantic entanglements, ethical dilemmas, and conflicting ambitions. When a plague outbreak tests his principles, Arrowsmith must choose between rigorous scientific method and saving lives, confronting the tensions between idealism, ambition, and the realities of medical practice.
The Job: An American Novel
"The Job: An American Novel" by Sinclair Lewis is a novel published in the early 1900s. It follows Una Golden, a young woman who leaves small-town Pennsylvania for New York to pursue education and career opportunities. When financial hardship forces her into the workforce, Una enters the male-dominated world of commercial real estate, becoming her firm's first female realtor. The novel charts her struggle to balance professional ambition with the expectations of romance and marriage, navigating scandalous choices for women of her era.
Our Mr. Wrenn: The Romantic Adventures of a Gentle Man
"Our Mr. Wrenn: The Romantic Adventures of a Gentle Man" by Sinclair Lewis is a novel published in 1914. When a meek novelty toy company employee unexpectedly inherits a fortune from his late father, he makes a bold decision: quit his mundane job and travel the world. This first novel published under Lewis's real name follows an ordinary man's extraordinary leap into adventure, chronicling what happens when an unambitious dreamer suddenly has the means to transform his life.
Free Air
"Free Air" by Sinclair Lewis is a novel written in 1919. Claire Boltwood embarks on an early automobile journey from New York City to the Pacific Northwest, where she encounters a working-class young man who challenges her privileged worldview. This pioneering road trip novel champions the democratic freedom of automobile travel while contrasting snobbish elitists with down-to-earth characters. Lewis's egalitarian vision explores class tensions and personal transformation on the open road, anticipating the American road novel tradition.
The Innocents: A Story for Lovers
"The Innocents: A Story for Lovers" by Sinclair Lewis is a novel written in the early 20th century. The narrative revolves around Mr. and Mrs. Seth Appleby, an aging couple who reminisce about their youthful love while embarking on an attempt to start a new life managing a tea-room on Cape Cod. As they embrace the simplicity of love and companionship, they navigate the trials and tribulations that come with fulfilling their dreams in the context of societal expectations and personal aspirations. At the start of the story, the Applebys are depicted in their daily lives, reflecting the dynamics of their long-lasting marriage filled with affection and playful banter. Their mundane yet charming existence in New York City is contrasted with their aspirations for a vacation and a new venture. In a bid to escape the confines of their old lives, Father concocts a plan for a summer tea-room, and the couple's excitement grows as they anticipate the freedom and adventure that awaits them on Cape Cod. Through their misadventures and the challenges presented by their surroundings, the opening chapters set the stage for a deeper exploration of identity, love, and the often harsh realities faced by those pursuing their dreams.
Hike and the aeroplane
"Hike and the Aeroplane" by Tom Graham is a young adult adventure novel written in the early 20th century. The story features two boys, Hike Griffin and his friend Poodle Darby, who embark on exhilarating escapades involving horseback riding and a mysterious aeroplane. The narrative hints at themes of bravery, friendship, and the spirit of exploration against the backdrop of early aviation. The opening of the book introduces Hike and Poodle as they navigate a rugged canyon trail in California. During their exploration, Hike courageously saves Poodle from a near-fatal accident with a skittish horse, showcasing his adventurous spirit and resourcefulness. The boys subsequently discover a mysterious aerodrome where an eccentric aviator, Martin Priest, is building an innovative tetrahedral aeroplane. As they bond with Priest over their shared interest in aviation, they realize that their adventures are only beginning, setting the stage for thrilling experiences that will test their courage and creativity.
Babbitt: Tarina amerikkalaisesta miehestä, hänen perheestään ja ainoasta ystävyydestään
"Babbitt: Tarina amerikkalaisesta miehestä, hänen perheestään ja ainoasta…" by Sinclair Lewis is a satirical novel published in 1922. It follows George F. Babbitt, a successful middle-aged real estate broker who seemingly has everything the American Dream promises. Yet beneath his conformist exterior lies growing dissatisfaction with his shallow existence. When his best friend's life unravels, Babbitt attempts his own rebellion against middle-class conventions—flirting with liberal politics, bohemian friends, and extramarital romance. But can he truly escape the society he's built his life around?