George Babbitt is a forty-six-year-old real estate broker. His job
allows him to enjoy many commodities of the middle-class, and offers he
and his family a place in an elevated social circle. With three kids, a
loving wife, a steady job, and a fair amount of disposable income,
George is living the American dream. But despite his privilege, he is
dissatisfied with his life, a topic that often arises when he spends
time with his closest friend, Paul, who has serious martial issues. One
day, they decide to take a vacation together, leaving their family for a
relaxing camping trip. Even through ups and downs, the two men feel at
ease among the country, appreciating the simultaneous and contrasting
simplicity and intricacy that exists in nature. Together, George and
Paul decide that even though their lives weren't perfect, they would do
their best to appreciate what they had. After this, both men return home
feeling much more optimistic about their lives. However, things take a
turn for the worst after one of them does not honor to their pack. When
Paul commits a heinous crime that will imprison him for many years,
George is distraught. Feeling that his mundane life will be unbearable
without Paul's company, George decides to abandon the rules that held
him back before. As George ditches his social circle and begins to cheat
on his wife, he falls into the habit of chasing his every whim, leading
him to chaos.
With themes of American identity, social change, material culture,
urbanization, and industrialization, Babbitt by Sinclair Lewis is
thought-provoking work of literature grounded in American history and
values. First published in 1922, Babbitt is among the first comic
depictions of a mid-life crisis, a concept that has remained relevant
and relatable to modern audiences.
This edition of Babbitt by Sinclair Lewis features a new, eye-catching
cover design and is printed in a stylish font, making is both readable
and modern.
