Elmer Gantry isn’t suited to be a lawyer, so he becomes a preacher instead. Although he experiences a variety of failures, and even more successes, Gantry ultimately finds this new career path suits him very well indeed—despite his drinking and womanizing. Throughout his time as a preacher Gantry progresses through the hierarchies of the Baptist and Methodist churches, dabbles in revivalism and “New Thought,” and even experiments with politics, all the while emerging from scandals relatively unscathed and ready to move onward and upward once again. Sinclair Lewis published the satirical Elmer Gantry in 1927 much to the dismay of the religious community. It was denounced from the pulpit, banned by many, and even engendered threats of violence. Despite this—or perhaps because of it—it went on to become a massive success and the best selling novel of that year. One of the most savage satirical assaults against institutionalized religion and its hypocrisy in American literature, Elmer Gantry continues to be a window into a particularly important aspect of American history. This book is part of the Standard Ebooks project, which produces free public domain ebooks.

Enter the provocative world of "Elmer Gantry" by Sinclair Lewis, a gripping tale of ambition, hypocrisy, and redemption set against the backdrop of early 20th-century America. Follow the tumultuous journey of Elmer Gantry, a charismatic and cunning preacher whose rise to power is marked by scandal, deceit, and moral reckoning. Step into the shoes of Elmer Gantry as he navigates the treacherous waters of the evangelical movement, using his charm and charisma to manipulate his followers and advance his own agenda. From his humble beginnings as a small-town salesman to his meteoric rise as a renowned preacher, Gantry's story is a cautionary tale of unchecked ambition and moral corruption. Throughout "Elmer Gantry," readers will encounter a cast of vividly drawn characters, each with their own hopes, fears, and flaws. From the devout believers who hang on Gantry's every word to the skeptical journalists and disillusioned former colleagues who seek to expose his hypocrisy, Lewis paints a nuanced portrait of American society at a crossroads. The overall tone and mood of "Elmer Gantry" are one of biting satire and social commentary, as Lewis exposes the hypocrisy and moral bankruptcy lurking beneath the surface of the evangelical movement. With its sharp wit and incisive critique, this novel offers a searing indictment of the intersection of religion, politics, and power in American life. While critical reception may vary, one thing remains clear: "Elmer Gantry" has stood the test of time as a classic work of American literature, beloved by readers and scholars alike for its powerful storytelling and incisive social commentary. With its exploration of timeless themes such as ambition, faith, and morality, this novel continues to resonate with readers of all generations. As you delve into the pages of "Elmer Gantry" by Sinclair Lewis, you'll find yourself captivated by the compelling characters, gripping plot, and thought-provoking themes that have made this novel a literary classic. Whether you're a fan of American literature, social satire, or simply a compelling story well told, "Elmer Gantry" offers a riveting and unforgettable reading experience. Don't miss your chance to explore the complex and captivating world of "Elmer Gantry" by Sinclair Lewis. Let this timeless novel challenge your assumptions, provoke your thoughts, and ignite your imagination as you journey through the tumultuous landscape of early 20th-century America.

Arrowsmith has been inspirational for several generations of med students. Martin Arrowsmith agonizes over his career and life decisions never sure if he’s making the correct descisions. While the book details Arrowsmith's pursuit of the noble ideals of medical research for the benefit of mankind and of selfless devotion to the care of patients, Lewis throws many less noble temptations and self deceptions in Arrowsmith’s path. The attractions of financial security, recognition, even wealth and power distract Arrowsmith from his original plan to follow in the footsteps of his first mentor, Max Gottlieb, a brilliant but abrasive bacteriologist. A powerful novel that asks more questions than it answers. Winner of the Pulitzer Prize.

Carol Milford dreams of living in a small, rural town. But Gopher Prairie, Minnesota, isn't the paradise she'd imagined. First published in 1920, this unabridged edition of the Sinclair Lewis novel is an American classic, considered by many to be his most noteworthy and lasting work. As a work of social satire, this complex and compelling look at small-town America in the early 20th century has earned its place among the classics.

Called “God’s angry man” for his unyielding demands in pursuit of personal and artistic freedom, Oscar-winning filmmaker Richard Brooks brought us some of the mid-twentieth century’s most iconic films, including Blackboard Jungle, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Elmer Gantry, In Cold Blood, and Looking for Mr. Goodbar. “The important thing,” he once remarked, “is to write your story, to make it believable, to make it live.” His own life story has never been fully chronicled, until now. Tough as Nails: The Life and Films of Richard Brooks restores to importance the career of a prickly iconoclast who sought realism and truth in his films. Douglass K. Daniel explores how the writer-director made it from the slums of Philadelphia to the heights of the Hollywood elite, working with the top stars of the day, among them Humphrey Bogart, Cary Grant, Elizabeth Taylor, Jean Simmons, Sidney Poitier, Sean Connery, Gene Hackman, and Diane Keaton. Brooks dramatized social issues and depicted characters in conflict with their own values, winning an Academy Award for his Elmer Gantry screenplay and earning nominations for another seven Oscars for directing and screenwriting. Tough as Nails offers illuminating insights into Brooks’s life, drawing on unpublished studio memos and documents and interviews from stars and colleagues, including Poitier, director Paul Mazursky, and Simmons, who was married to Brooks for twenty years. Daniel takes readers behind the scenes of Brooks’s major films and sheds light on their making, their compromises, and their common threads. Tough as Nails celebrates Brooks’s vision while adding to the critical understanding of his works, their flaws as well as their merits, and depicting the tumults and trends in the life of a man who always kept his own compass. Best Books for General Audiences, selected by the American Association of School Librarians Outstanding Book, selected by the Public Library Reviewers

The actress and singer explores her life and career, examining "the real flesh-and-blood Shirley Jones, not just the movie star or Mrs. Partridge"--Dust jacket flap.