Book description
Universally recognized as a landmark in American literature, Elmer Gantry scandalized the generation in which it was written, causing Sinclair Lewis to be "invited" to a jail cell in New Hampshire and to his own lynching in Virginia. His portrait of an evangelist who rises to power within his church…
Why read it?
2 authors picked Elmer Gantry as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?
This book teaches us that hypocrisy is no impediment for a great salesman. Dreams sell in America and sell better when the salesman is charismatic, integrity be damned.
I love the book because it teaches us how persuadable folks are, whether they are being sold on religion or vacuum cleaners. As the Doobie Bros put it so well: "But what a fool believes he sees, No wise man has the power to reason away. What seems to be is always better than nothing."
From Edward's list on quintessential American History/Americana.
In 1927, Sinclair Lewis struck with Elmer Gantry, a richly researched and powerful satirical indictment of religious hypocrisy whose eponymous central character is an amoral preacher enthralled by his power in the pulpit and by the allure of a beautiful female evangelist, Sharon Falconer.
From William's list on the allure of wealth, status, and illicit romance.
If you love Elmer Gantry...
The High House
The Victorian mansion, Evenmere, is the mechanism that runs the universe.
The lamps must be lit, or the stars die. The clocks must be wound, or Time ceases. The Balance between Order and Chaos must be preserved, or Existence crumbles.
Appointed the Steward of Evenmere, Carter Anderson must learn the…
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