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Podcast Mentions

Elmer Gantry

Sinclair Lewis

Elmer Gantry is a satirical novel written by Sinclair Lewis in 1926 that presents aspects of the religious activity of America in fundamentalist and evangelistic circles and the attitudes of the 1920s public toward it. The novel's protagonist, the Reverend Dr. Elmer Gantry, is initially attracted by...

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Quotes 3
American History Tellers

The novel, which lampooned supporters of Prohibition, sparked significant controversy upon its release in March 1927 and was banned in at least three cities.

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It was called, Elmer Gantry, and it featured a womanizing, drunken, greedy, and ambitious preacher.

— Episode: Prohibition - Poisoning the Well | 4

Episode: Prohibition - Poisoning the Well | 4

The novel, which lampooned supporters of Prohibition, sparked significant controversy upon its release in March 1927 and was banned in at least three cities.

"

It was called, Elmer Gantry, and it featured a womanizing, drunken, greedy, and ambitious preacher.

When it came out in March 1927, it sparked off a firestorm of controversy and was banned in at least three cities.

There were calls for Lewis to be imprisoned or sent to the electric chair.

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