Elmer Gantry

Elmer Gantry by Nobel Prize-winning author Sinclair Lewis is a biting and unforgettable satire of religious hypocrisy and ambition in early 20th-century America. Charismatic, arrogant, and morally flawed, Elmer Gantry rises from a small-town college football star to a prominent and powerful preacher, despite his blatant disregard for the values he publicly espouses.

As Gantry manipulates his way through the religious revival movement, Lewis paints a vivid portrait of a man who uses faith as a tool for personal gain-and of a society willing to embrace such a figure. First published in 1927, this novel sparked controversy for its bold critique of organized religion, earning both acclaim and outrage.

Rich in dark humor and social commentary, Elmer Gantry remains a powerful and relevant exploration of ambition, corruption, and the enduring question of sincerity versus spectacle.