Elmer Gantry

Elmer Gantry, published in 1927 by Sinclair Lewis, is a satirical novel that critiques the hypocrisy within organized religion in America. The story follows the titular character, a charismatic yet flawed evangelist, as he navigates his ambitions, personal vices, and the moral constraints of society. Gantry's rise to power in the Methodist Church, despite his indulgent lifestyle and ethical contradictions, offers a penetrating examination of faith and identity in the context of 1920s America. The novel's bold portrayal of religious zeal and moral duplicity made it a landmark work, provoking significant controversy upon its release.