About the book
This landmark 1925 novel—the basis for the acclaimed 1951 film A Place in the Sun—is both a riveting crime story and a devastating commentary on the American dream.
One of The Atlantic’s Great American Novels of the Past 100 Years
Theodore Dreiser was inspired by a true story to write this novel about an ambitious, socially insecure young man who finds himself caught between two very different women—and two very different visions of what his life could be. Clyde Griffiths was born poor and is poorly educated, but his prospects begin to improve when he is offered a job by a wealthy uncle who owns a shirt factory. Soon he achieves a managerial position, and despite being warned to stay away from the women he manages, he becomes involved with Roberta, a poor factory worker who falls in love with him. At the same time, he catches the eye of Sondra, the glamorous socialite daughter of another factory owner, and begins neglecting his lover to court her. When Roberta confronts Clyde with her pregnancy, Clyde's hopes of marrying Sondra are threatened, and he conceives a desperate plan to preserve his dream.
Editions of An American Tragedy
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780593313329
- EBook
- ISBN 9780593313336
Read an Excerpt
This landmark 1925 novel—the basis for the acclaimed 1951 film A Place in the Sun—is both a riveting crime story and a devastating commentary on the American dream.
One of The Atlantic’s Great American Novels of the Past 100 Years
Theodore Dreiser was inspired by a true story to write this novel about an ambitious, socially insecure young man who finds himself caught between two very different women—and two very different visions of what his life could be. Clyde Griffiths was born poor and is poorly educated, but his prospects begin to improve when he is offered a job by a wealthy uncle who owns a shirt factory. Soon he achieves a managerial position, and despite being warned to stay away from the women he manages, he becomes involved with Roberta, a poor factory worker who falls in love with him. At the same time, he catches the eye of Sondra, the glamorous socialite daughter of another factory owner, and begins neglecting his lover to court her. When Roberta confronts Clyde with her pregnancy, Clyde's hopes of marrying Sondra are threatened, and he conceives a desperate plan to preserve his dream.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is An American Tragedy about?
This landmark 1925 novel—the basis for the acclaimed 1951 film A Place in the Sun—is both a riveting crime story and a devastating commentary on the American dream.
One of The Atlantic’s Great American Novels of the Past 100 Years
Theodore Dreiser was inspired by a true story to write this novel about an ambitious, socially insecure young man who finds himself caught between two very different women—and two very different visions of what his life could be. Clyde Griffiths was born poor and is poorly educated, but his prospects begin to improve when he is offered a job by a wealthy uncle who owns a shirt factory. Soon he achieves a managerial position, and despite being warned to stay away from the women he manages, he becomes involved with Roberta, a poor factory worker who falls in love with him. At the same time, he catches the eye of Sondra, the glamorous socialite daughter of another factory owner, and begins neglecting his lover to court her. When Roberta confronts Clyde with her pregnancy, Clyde's hopes of marrying Sondra are threatened, and he conceives a desperate plan to preserve his dream.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in An American Tragedy?
Fiction > Fiction: literary and general non-genre
Where can I read a sample of An American Tragedy?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780593313329
Is An American Tragedy part of a series, and can it be read as a standalone?
Yes it is a part of series Vintage Classics
Who is/are the Author/s of the book An American Tragedy?
Theodore Dreiser
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
An American Tragedy is available as paperback(ISBN 9780593313329) and ebook(ISBN 9780593313336)
Where can I buy An American Tragedy online or support local independent bookshops?
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Where can I buy An American Tragedy?