Issue: Sinclair Lewis USA 1985

Type: First Day Cover

Number of Stamps: 2

Stamps Denomination: 14c

Issue Date: 21 March 1985

Issued By: First Day Of Issue

Sinclair Lewis USA 1985

About Sinclair Lewis USA 1985

Certainly! Sinclair Lewis was a prolific and influential American author known for his insightful and critical portrayals of American society and culture during the early 20th century. His literature often explored themes of conformity, materialism, and the struggles of individuals against societal norms.

Here are some more details about Sinclair Lewis and his literary contributions:

1. “Main Street” (1920): This novel is perhaps Sinclair Lewis‘s best-known work. It tells the story of Carol Kennicott, a young woman who marries a small-town doctor and moves to the fictional town of Gopher Prairie, Minnesota. The book satirizes the narrow-mindedness and complacency of small-town life and the clash between traditional values and Carol’s more progressive ideas.
2. “Babbitt” (1922): One of Lewis’s most acclaimed novels, “Babbitt” follows the life of George F. Babbitt, a real estate broker in the city of Zenith. The book sharply satirizes the materialistic and conformist middle-class culture of the 1920s, giving rise to the term “Babbitt” as a symbol of the self-satisfied, complacent businessman.
3. “Arrowsmith” (1925): This novel follows the life of Martin Arrowsmith, a young idealistic medical researcher who faces ethical challenges and struggles to maintain his scientific integrity while navigating the commercialized and bureaucratic world of medicine. The book won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1926.
4. “Elmer Gantry” (1927): A scathing critique of evangelical religious hypocrisy, “Elmer Gantry” tells the story of the eponymous character, a charismatic and opportunistic preacher who exploits his religious influence for personal gain. The novel examines the intersection of religion, politics, and human weaknesses.
5. “Dodsworth” (1929): In this novel, Sinclair Lewis explores the disintegration of a marriage as Sam Dodsworth, a wealthy automobile manufacturer, and his wife, Fran, travel through Europe. The story delves into the challenges faced by the couple as they confront their differing desires and aspirations.
6. “It Can’t Happen Here” (1935): This dystopian novel imagines the rise of a populist demagogue named Berzelius “Buzz” Windrip, who becomes President of the United States and establishes a totalitarian regime. The book is a cautionary tale about the dangers of fascism and the erosion of democratic values.

Sinclair Lewis’s literature was characterized by a keen understanding of human psychology, a sharp wit, and a fearless willingness to challenge societal norms. His works continue to be studied, read, and appreciated for their social commentary and their reflection of the complexities of American life during his time.

Throughout his career, Lewis wrote several other novels, including “Dodsworth” (1929) and “It Can’t Happen Here” (1935), the latter being a dystopian novel warning against the rise of fascism in the United States.

Sinclair Lewis continued to write and publish until his death on January 10, 1951. His works remain relevant and influential, offering valuable insights into the complexities of American society and human nature.