TheBestseller
Observatory

Best Sellers

Hardcover Fiction

Week of July 27, 1947

FictionNonfiction
WeekMonth
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2
KINGSBLOOD ROYAL
Sinclair Lewis
Cover of KINGSBLOOD ROYAL

KINGSBLOOD ROYAL

by Sinclair Lewis · Random House

7 wks on list

Sinclair Lewis's "Kingsblood Royal" is a powerful exploration of race and identity set in the early 20th century American Midwest. The novel follows the life of Neil Kingsblood, a white man who discovers that he has African ancestry. This revelation compels him to confront the entrenched racism of his community and his own prejudices, ultimately leading to a profound personal transformation. Lewis employs a satirical yet poignant literary style, deftly blending realism with biting social commentary that interrogates the constructs of race and privilege in American society. The narrative reflects the cultural tensions of its time, encapsulating the struggle between individual identity and societal expectations in an era grappling with the implications of race relations. Sinclair Lewis, an award-winning novelist and the first American to receive the Nobel Prize in Literature, often drew from his own experiences growing up in a small town. His prior works, such as "Main Street" and "Babbitt," set the stage for the themes of conformity and social critique that permeate "Kingsblood Royal." Lewis's insightful observations of American life and culture, coupled with his passion for social justice, illuminate the urgent issues presented in the novel. "Kingsblood Royal" is a compelling read for anyone interested in the intersection of race, identity, and societal norms. Lewis's incisive prose and rich character development invite readers to question their own beliefs while providing a mirror to the complex realities of race in America. This novel remains a vital contribution to the ongoing discourse surrounding race relations and its relevance continues to resonate today.

3
THE VIXENS
Frank Yerby
Cover of THE VIXENS

THE VIXENS

by Frank Yerby · Dial Press

12 wks on list
12
2
VERMILLION
Idwal Jones

VERMILLION

by Idwal Jones · Prentice-Hall

6 wks on list

Letters written to Jones about his writings; manuscripts of Ark of Empire and other books and stories; tear sheets of articles published in magazines and newspapers, many of them dealing with viticulture and gastronomy; reviews of his books; notes; awards; clippings.

14
PEACE BREAKS OUT
Angela Thirkell
15
THE CHEQUER BOARD
Nevil Shute
Cover of THE CHEQUER BOARD

Historical bestseller data sourced from the New York Times Book Review, archived by Hawes Publications.