Born in 1885 in Sauk Centre, Minnesota, Sinclair Lewis grew up as the son of a country doctor. A bookish and imaginative child, he often felt out of place in his small-town surroundings. This sense of detachment later shaped his sharp critiques of American provincial life. After graduating from Yale in 1908, Lewis worked in journalism and publishing before finding success as a novelist. His 1920 novel Main Street became a sensation, exposing the narrow-mindedness of small-town America. He followed it with Babbitt, Arrowsmith, and Elmer Gantry, each offering bold social commentary. In 1930, Lewis became the first American to win the Nobel Prize in Literature for his vivid storytelling and satire. Despite struggles with alcoholism, he continued writing until his death in 1951. His legacy endures through his fearless critiques of American culture and society.
