The Sinclair Lewis Library
Books & Literature
About
Welcome to The Sinclair Lewis Library - a dignified little institution devoted to the careful airing of American ambition, middle-class certainty, and the curious art of taking oneself very seriously. Here, the streets are tidy, the rhetoric is polished, and the human comedy is forever peeking through the curtains. Each episode presents a full reading from Lewis’s novels, where boosters boast, reformers reform, and respectable citizens discover (sometimes to their alarm) that respectability can be the strangest costume of all. Settle in as boardrooms, parlors, laboratories, and Main Streets come briskly to life. Whether you arrive as a loyal Babbitt or a secret rebel, this podcast offers a front-row seat to satire that still feels uncomfortably familiar. Consider it your weekly civic meeting, only far more honest and considerably better read.
Episodes
- Babbitt Chapter 20
This episode covers Chapter 20 of Babbitt, where George Babbitt grapples with his internal conflicts and societal expectations.
- Babbitt Chapter 18
This episode covers Chapter 18 of Babbitt, detailing the social dynamics and ambitions of the city's inhabitants. It reflects on the balance between personal desires and societal expectations.
- Babbitt Chapter 17
Babbitt Chapter 17 focuses on the everyday rhythms and social nuances of city life, presented with an observant and unhurried tone that encourages reflection on underlying societal forces.
- Babbitt Chapter 16
This episode covers Chapter 16 of Babbitt, where George Babbitt examines the expectations of his social group, focusing on the interplay of business, friendship, and social norms within his daily life.
- Babbitt Chapter 15
Chapter 15 of Babbitt follows George F. Babbitt as he navigates the social landscape of Zenith, aiming to solidify his position within his community. The narrative details his daily life, revealing the underlying tensions within a conventi…
- Babbitt Chapter 14
Chapter 14 of Babbitt features George Babbitt contemplating the evolving values and social expectations within his community. The episode delves into the subtle tensions of middle-class life, examining conformity and dissatisfaction.
- Babbitt Chapter 13
Chapter 13 of Babbitt, from The Sinclair Lewis Library, gently observes the subtle shifts in Zenith's daily rhythms and social realms, focusing on quiet moments that shape familiar life.
- Babbitt Chapter 12
Chapter 12 of Babbitt delves into the characters' daily routines and aspirations, uncovering the quiet tensions and hidden desires that exist beneath the surface of their respectable lives within their community.
- Babbitt Chapter 11
Babbitt Chapter 11 delves into the daily routines and social interactions of Zenith's citizens. The episode examines how personal desires and societal pressures merge within the community.
- Babbitt Chapter 9
Chapter 9 of Babbitt follows George F. Babbitt as he navigates his city, Zenith. He reflects on his role within the community and the social expectations that influence his routine.
- Babbitt Chapter 10
Chapter 10 of Babbitt follows George Babbitt as he experiences the daily life of his city. The chapter focuses on his thoughts and surroundings, depicting his immersion in middle-class values.
- Babbitt Chapter 8
Chapter 8 of Babbitt covers George Babbitt's experience at the Chamber of Commerce banquet, exploring his participation, private thoughts, and the underlying dynamics of local business and social expectations.
- Babbitt Chapter 7
Chapter 7 of Babbitt follows George Babbitt as he contemplates his daily life, observing the interplay of conformity and ambition within his city. The narrative highlights the subtle tensions between his individual aspirations and the expe…
- Babbitt Chapter 5
Babbitt Chapter 5 delves into the social expectations and personal aspirations within a Midwestern city. Characters navigate their constructed worlds, highlighting the nuances of ambition and conformity in their daily lives.
- Babbitt Chapter 6
Chapter 6 of Babbitt focuses on George Babbitt's morning reflections about his social standing, the interplay of personal ambition and social expectations, and the influences on his conventional life.
- Babbitt Chapter 3
Chapter 3 of Babbitt introduces George Babbitt, depicting his place in Zenith's middle-class society. The narrative focuses on his daily routines and the subtle discontent beneath his comfortable life.
- Babbitt Chapter 4
Chapter 4 of Babbitt, from The Sinclair Lewis Library, explores George Babbitt's daily routines and inner struggles within his middle-class world. The episode touches on his desires, discontents, and reflections on societal expectations.
- Babbitt Chapter 1
This episode introduces George F. Babbitt, a successful real-estate broker in the middle-class city of Zenith. The chapter explores his daily life and the subtle hints of dissatisfaction beneath his conventional exterior.
- Babbitt Chapter 2
Chapter 2 of The Sinclair Lewis Library follows George Babbitt as he wakes to his comfortable middle-class life in Zenith. He navigates familiar streets with pride and unease, aware of the subtle social pressures shaping his choices.
- Elmer Gantry Chapter 33
Chapter 33 of The Sinclair Lewis Library follows Reverend Dr. Gantry as scandal threatens his reputation. A confession ultimately clears his name, leading him to renew his commitment to a moral crusade.
- Elmer Gantry Chapter 32
Chapter 32 of Elmer Gantry details Dr. Gantry's entanglement in a blackmail scheme related to marital deception. He must navigate legal threats and personal scandals while balancing his clerical ambitions with a need for domesticity.
- Elmer Gantry Chapter 31
Chapter 31 of Elmer Gantry follows Reverend Gantry as he balances his growing fame and ambition with the complexities of his personal life and congregational relationships, while also pursuing reform efforts and prestigious appointments.
- Elmer Gantry Chapter29 Part 7-12
The episode follows a weary preacher disillusioned by his peers and organized charity. He faces conflict and doubt, experiencing violent reprisal when his voice is met with opposition, leaving him broken but resolved.
- Elmer Gantry Chapter 30
Chapter 30 of The Sinclair Lewis Library covers Reverend Elmer Gantry receiving his Doctor of Divinity. He begins expanding his reach through radio and international travel, envisioning the unification of moral reform groups under his lead…
- Elmer Gantry Chapter 28
Chapter 28 of Elmer Gantry features the titular character boasting about his church's success. Meanwhile, minister Frank Shallard confides his disillusionment with religious hypocrisy to his friend, leading to a debate on faith and doubt.
- Elmer Gantry Chapter29 Part 1-6
In this episode, Reverend Gantry publicly discredits Pastor Shallard to advance his church-building goals. The community faces doctrinal disputes and tests of loyalty as Frank experiences opposition.
- Elmer Gantry Chapter 26 Part 5-9
In this episode, Reverend Gantry launches a fervent crusade against local vices, engaging with police in 'dens of iniquity' and delivering strong denunciations. The episode concludes with a physical fight and Gantry's return home, seeking…
- Elmer Gantry Chapter 27
Elmer Gantry gains local fame by exposing vice, impressing the Rotary Club, and navigating high society. He tours with popular sermons and is seen as a righteous figure by a country parson.
- Elmer Gantry Chapter 26 Part 1-4
In this episode, Reverend Elmer Gantry uses entertainment and moralizing to attract large crowds and gain favor with the press. He also launches a campaign against vices, navigating the town's religious and moral dynamics.
- Elmer Gantry Chapter 25
Chapter 25 of Elmer Gantry finds the protagonist balancing social engagements, reconnecting with past figures, and managing his ministerial duties amid shifting personal and social landscapes.
- Elmer Gantry Chapter23 Part 4-7
In this episode, Elmer and Cleo Gantry settle into their new home, focusing on appearances to hide their ambitions. Elmer confronts the demands of his Zenith pastorate, dealing with clergy rivalries and planning to create a standout minist…
- Elmer Gantry Chapter 24
Chapter 24 follows Elmer Gantry as he reunites with seminary friends in Zenith, revealing contrasting lives. Meanwhile, Frank Shallard faces internal conflict, trying to align his religious ideals with his experiences and the harsh judgmen…
- Elmer Gantry Chapter 22
Chapter 22 follows a young clergyman, Elmer Gantry, as he advances in ministry, navigates personal challenges, and uses powerful sermons and political engagement to influence congregations. He takes on a pastorate at the struggling Wellspr…
- Elmer Gantry Chapter 23 Part 1-3
The episode covers a new minister's assessment of the Wellspring Methodist Church, his plans for sermon improvements, and his engagement with the town's moral issues, which elicits varied responses.
- Elmer Gantry Chapter 21
Chapter 21 of Elmer Gantry follows the young minister's navigation of small-town demands, ambition, and social expectations during evangelical revivals and clerical politics.
- Elmer Gantry Chapter 20 Part 7-12
In this episode, Elmer Gantry establishes himself in a small-town church, employing social skills and innovative methods to revitalize the congregation. He simultaneously pursues literary and philosophical studies and deepens his connectio…
- Elmer Gantry Chapter 20 p.t1-6
In Elmer Gantry Chapter 20, Elmer Gantry begins his role as a preacher at Banjo Crossing. His first services combine devotion and enthusiasm, captivating the townsfolk, particularly Cleo.
- Elmer Gantry Chapter 19
In Chapter 19 of Elmer Gantry, Reverend Gantry arrives in Banjo Crossing, confronting the realities of his new parish. He finds a church, a young woman, and a community that inspires renewed purpose and virtue.
- Elmer Gantry Chapter 18
In Elmer Gantry Chapter 18, Reverend Elmer Gantry meets Bishop Wesley R. Toomis. Their discussion opens the possibility for Elmer to join the Methodist Church, presenting a new religious path that combines faith with practical opportunitie…
- Elmer Gantry Chapter 17
Chapter 17 follows theological graduate Frank Shallard as he begins his pastoral duties, grappling with doubts and finding guidance from Reverend Pengilly. He encounters Elmer Gantry and liberal thinkers, navigating a path between faith an…
- Elmer Gantry Chapter 15
Chapter 15 of Elmer Gantry, featured on The Sinclair Lewis Library, details an evangelist's growing influence due to his healing gift, his plans for a large-scale crusade, and the underlying personal dynamics. The chapter culminates in a d…
- Elmer Gantry Chapter 16
Chapter 16 of The Sinclair Lewis Library covers Mrs. Evans Riddle's New Thought centre and Reverend Elmer Gantry's foray into evangelicalism and Prosperity Classes, highlighting his personal struggles.
- Elmer Gantry Chapter 13
This episode covers Chapter 13 of Elmer Gantry, focusing on Elmer's apprenticeship with evangelist Sharon Falconer. It details their creation of theatrical revival meetings, incorporating sermons, spectacles, political maneuvering, and fun…
- Elmer Gantry Chapter 14
Chapter 14 of The Sinclair Lewis Library follows Elmer Gantry and Sharon Falconer as they manage the challenges of evangelistic travel. Their journey involves balancing faith and ambition, interacting with their troupe, and navigating the…
- Elmer Gantry Chapter 11 Part 4-6
Cecil Aylston, a restless cleric, explores various religious affiliations before assisting evangelist Sharon Falconer. Elmer Gantry arrives in Lincoln for Falconer's campaign, delivers a speech to businessmen, and encounters Aylston's prea…
- Elmer Gantry Chapter 12
Chapter 12 of Elmer Gantry finds revivalist Sharon Falconer and salesman Elmer Gantry sharing intimate moments and reflections. Their companionship unfolds amidst confessions and spiritual seeking at a Virginian estate.
- Elmer Gantry Chapter 10
Chapter 10 follows Elmer Gantry's move from Babylon to Monarch, where he faces temptations and his ambitions lead him to question his clerical path amidst city life.
- Elmer Gantry Chapter 11 Part 1-3
Elmer Gantry, a salesman haunted by his past as a seminarian, drifts through the heartland. He is captivated by evangelist Sharon Falconer and plots a return to the ministry, blending zeal with ambition.
- Elmer Gantry Chapter 8
Chapter 8 of Elmer Gantry covers Gantry's tedious seminary experience, where he hones his public speaking skills while neglecting theological studies. Concurrently, Frank Shallard grapples with his faith and resolves to reform the church.
- Elmer Gantry Chapter 9
Chapter 9 of Elmer Gantry details Elmer's fiery zeal clashing with the complexities of young love and small-town scrutiny in Schoenheim, leading to heightened passions and suspicions.