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Main Street
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Main Street Hardcover - 2021

by Sinclair Lewis; Contribution by Mint Editions


About this book

Main Street by Sinclair Lewis is a satirical novel concerning small town America. The story follows Carol Milford, a liberal and free-spirited woman, as she marries Dr. William Kennicott and settles in his hometown of Gopher Prairie, Minnesota. Upon arrival, Carol is shocked by the conservatism and general backwardness of Gopher Prairie—which is loosely based on Lewis’ hometown of Sauk Centre, Minnesota. The residents of Gopher Prairie seem more interested in gossip than larger cultural or social issues, which frustrates Carol. In various attempts to reform the town, she implements one improvement project after another, all of them ending in failure. In the end, Carol realizes that her frustrations with the individuals of the town should really have been directed towards its institutions and that although she was been beaten, she has kept the faith. Lewis initially seems to be attacking his small town roots in the novel, but his satire is double-edged; Main Street is not only a critique of simple townspeople, but also of the superficial intellectuals who look down on them.

Main Street was not expected to be a commercial success. Lewis anticipated selling 10,000 copies; Harcourt, Brace and Howe anticipated 20,000. In the first six months of 1921, Main Street sold over 180,000 copies. Main Street is ranked 68th on Modern Library’s “100 Best” English-language novels of the 20th century. The novel was initially awarded the Pulitzer Prize for literature that year, but the Board of Trustees overturned the decision and gave the prize to Edith Wharton for The Age of Innocence instead. (In 1925, Lewis rejected the Pulitzer Prize for Arrowsmith because he felt that he had deserved the prize for Main Street.) 

From the publisher

Orphaned as a teen, Carol Milford grew up in a city in Minnesota. Already a compassionate person, Carol's time studying in college and grad school exposed her to diverse, radical ideas and lifestyles, which she learned to either accept or tolerate. After college, Carol earns a position as a librarian in the state capital city, yet finds the work to be unsatisfying. This is why she agrees when her new husband, a doctor named Will, asks if they can move to his small hometown. However, soon after Will and Carol arrive in the rural town, Carol finds herself immensely disappointed in the scenery and culture. The architecture of the town is ugly and bland, and is decorated to match. Meanwhile, its occupants hold a high level of snooty conservatism, and immediately disapprove of Carol for being a working woman. Because Carol loves her husband and loves to help, she becomes determined to lead a reform for the town by cleaning up the streets and educating the people. However, as Carol attempts to start progressive clubs and tries to make friends, every idea she has is disregarded and disrespected by the town's prominent cliques. Still, Carol persistent, and tries to overcome each obstacle they throw at her, dedicated to inspiring the town to adopt a more accepting and informed culture.

Sinclair Lewis' Main Street is ranked among the one hundred best English-language novels of the 20th century by Modern Library. With immense detail, wit, and emotion, Main Street certainly earns this honor. Through the strong depiction of a working-class woman and the inclusion of themes such as love, maturity, feminism, social change, and culture clashes, Lewis addresses important issues and encourages reflection and debate.

This edition of Main Street by Sinclair Lewis features a new, eye-catching cover design and is printed in an easy-to-read font. With these accommodations, this edition restores Main Street to modern standards while preserving its original heart and mastery.

Since our inception in 2020, Mint Editions has kept sustainability and innovation at the forefront of our mission. Each and every Mint Edition title gets a fresh, professionally typeset manuscript and a dazzling new cover, all while maintaining the integrity of the original book.

With thousands of titles in our collection, we aim to spotlight diverse public domain works to help them find modern audiences. Mint Editions celebrates a breadth of literary works, curated from both canonical and overlooked classics from writers around the globe.

From the rear cover

After newlywed Carol Milford moves to her husband's small hometown, she is resentful of the arrogant conservatism and ugliness that plagues the town, and becomes determined to lead its reform. Main Street by Sinclair Lewis is a highly celebrated satirical novel that depicts themes of small-town values and feminism.

First Edition Identification

Harcourt, Brace and Howe first published Main Street in 1920. Bound in blue cloth with orange highlights, the 448-page first editions state 1920 on both the title page and the copyright page and have Harcourt, Brace and Howe printed on the spine. Points of issue include a perfect "y" in the word "May" on page 387 and an unbattered number 54 on page 54. Signed copies have sold for upwards of $7,500.

Details

  • Title Main Street
  • Author Sinclair Lewis; Contribution by Mint Editions
  • Binding Hardcover
  • Pages 442
  • Volumes 1
  • Language ENG
  • Publisher Mint Editions
  • Date 2021-08-10
  • ISBN 9781513206424 / 1513206427
  • Weight 1.34 lbs (0.61 kg)
  • Dimensions 8 x 5 x 1.13 in (20.32 x 12.70 x 2.87 cm)
  • Library of Congress subjects Domestic fiction, City and town life
  • Dewey Decimal Code FIC
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