They are as much alike as they are different.

One was the son of a physician and died from alcoholism. The other was born to a liquor salesman and died a teetotaler. They are often confused for one another even though they are unrelated. One once worked for the other one as a janitor.

They were both two of the finest writers in American history and helped shape our laws, our customs and our national identity. Both are loved and hated.

They were American critics and this country gave them plenty of fuel for their fiery prose.

They won the greatest prizes given authors, had numerous best sellers and their books were made into movies.

Together they are Sinclair Squared.

Sunday, January 20, 2008

King Coal 1

Upton Sinclair's Oil! Turns To Blood

On the stage in a new opera and now on the big screen, our Sinclairs are as relevant and as popular as ever.

Saturday, January 19, 2008

A Modern Muckraker?

This new book about coal gets Upton a mention in The New York Times. But I have news for the Times: Upton already wrote the book on coal.

It's An Elmer Gantry Revival

Perhaps one of Sinclair Lewis' greatest works is now an opera and in Nashville! No, not a Grand Ole Opry but Great New Opera.

Monday, January 7, 2008

The Rebel and The Radical

The lives of Sinclair Lewis and Upton Sinclair are as fascinating as any of the characters they created. There are current and well documented biographies including Richard Lingeman's Sinclair Lewis: Rebel From Main Street and Anthony Arthur's Radical Innocent: Upton Sinclair. Brian Lamb has the Lingeman interview. Diane Rehm did an hour of radio with Arthur.