Sinclair Lewis

Sinclair Lewis (February 7, 1885–January 10, 1951) was an American novelist and playwright. In 1930 he became the first American to win the Nobel Prize in Literature.

Related Topics:
February 7 - 1885 - January 10 - 1951 - American - Novelist - Playwright - 1930 - Nobel Prize in Literature

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Born Harry Sinclair Lewis in Sauk Centre, Minnesota, he began reading books at a young age and kept a diary. A dreamer, at age 13 he unsuccessfully ran away from home, wanting to become a drummer boy in the Spanish-American War. At first, he produced romantic poetry, then romantic stories about knights and fair ladies. By 1921 he had six novels published.

Related Topics:
Sauk Centre, Minnesota - Spanish-American War

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Lewis was innovative for giving strong characterization to modern working women and his concern with race. Restless, he traveled a lot and in the 1920s he would spend time with other great artists in the Montparnasse Quarter in Paris, France where he would be photographed by Man Ray.

Related Topics:
1920s - Montparnasse - Paris, France - Man Ray

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Alcohol played a dominant role in his life; he died of the effects of advanced alcoholism in Rome, Italy.

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He created the fictional cities of Gopher Prairie, Minnesota and Zenith, Winamac.

Related Topics:
Gopher Prairie, Minnesota - Zenith, Winamac

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