The Man Who Knew Coolidge

by Sinclair Lewis

Overview

Published in 1928, The Man Who Knew Coolidge by Sinclair Lewis is a satirical novel that presents itself as a series of monologues delivered by a traveling salesman named Lowell Schmaltz. Unlike Lewis's other novels, which follow more traditional narrative structures, this book consists of episodic, rambling discourses that reveal the shallow, self-important nature of its protagonist. Schmaltz embodies the small-town American businessman—ambitious yet delusional, boastful but lacking in depth—making him a perfect vehicle for Lewis's sharp critique of middle-class values and the commercial mindset of the 1920s.

Schmaltz believes himself to be a man of great influence, frequently name-dropping and making exaggerated claims about his supposed connections, including his tenuous acquaintance with President Calvin Coolidge. However, his verbose, meandering storytelling ultimately exposes his own mediocrity. Through his monologues, Lewis dissects the American Dream, showing how it often translates into mindless consumerism, blind optimism, and self-aggrandizement. The novel does not follow a conventional plot but rather unfolds through a series of narratives that paint a broader picture of small-town America's culture and attitudes during the Jazz Age.

While The Man Who Knew Coolidge is not as well-known as Lewis's major works like Babbitt or Main Street, it remains an insightful and humorous commentary on the social fabric of the time. Its unconventional structure and reliance on a single, unreliable narrator make it a unique entry in Lewis's body of work. With this novel, Lewis once again proves his skill at exposing the contradictions and absurdities of American life, delivering a satirical yet recognizable portrait of an era obsessed with business, success, and self-promotion.

Product Details

BN ID:	2940184362427
Publisher:	Anthony Bly
Publication date:	02/15/2025
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	277 KB

About the Author

Sinclair Lewis (1885–1951) was an American novelist, short story writer, and playwright best known for his satirical depictions of American society. Born in Sauk Centre, Minnesota, he grew up in a small-town environment that later served as inspiration for much of his work. He attended Yale University, where he developed his literary ambitions.

Lewis rose to fame with Main Street (1920), a novel that sharply criticized the conformity and small-mindedness of Midwestern life. He followed this success with Babbitt (1922), a scathing portrayal of middle-class materialism, and Arrowsmith (1925), which won the Pulitzer Prize—an award he famously declined. His other major works include Elmer Gantry (1927), a critique of religious hypocrisy, and Dodsworth (1929), an exploration of American culture through the experiences of an expatriate.

In 1930, Lewis became the first American to receive the Nobel Prize in Literature, recognized for his ability to create vivid, satirical portraits of American life. Despite personal struggles, including alcoholism, he remained a prolific writer until his death in 1951. His legacy endures as one of the most important voices in American literature.