Super Short Summary

Published in 1926, Elmer Gantry by Sinclair Lewis is a satirical novel set in the 1920s that follows Elmer Gantry, a charismatic yet morally flawed preacher who rises to prominence within American religious circles. His journey from a drunken college student to a successful minister highlights his manipulative nature and secret indulgences in vice. The story explores themes of hypocrisy and corruption within organized religion. The book includes themes of religious exploitation, infidelity, and manipulative behaviors.