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...
These Blue Mountains
A moving story of love, betrayal, and the enduring power of hope in the face of darkness.
German pianist Hedda Schlagel's world collapsed when her fiancé, Fritz, vanished after being sent to an enemy alien camp in the United States during the Great War. Fifteen years later, in 1932, Hedda…
Want books like Elmer Gantry?
Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like Elmer Gantry.
Share your top 3 reads of 2025!
And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.
1,366
readers submitted
so far, will you?
📚 If you like Elmer Gantry, you might also like...
The Duke's Christmas Redemption
A Duke who has rejected love, a Lady who dreams of a love match, an arranged marriage, a house full of secrets, a most unneighborly neighbor, a plot to destroy reputations, an unexpected love that redeems it all.
Lady Charlotte Wyndham, given in an arranged marriage to a man she…
Coyote Weather
Coyote weather is the feral, hungry season, drought-stricken, and ready to catch fire. It’s 1967, and the American culture is violently remaking itself while the country is forcibly sending its young men to fight in a deeply unpopular war.
Jerry has stubbornly made no plans for the future because he…
