The Flivver King: A Story of Ford-America

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1937

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Study Guide

Before You Read

Super Short Summary

The Flivver King by Upton Sinclair tells the stories of Henry Ford's rise from an inventor to a wealthy industrial magnate and the parallel life of Abner Shutt, a devoted Ford employee, depicting the evolution of Ford’s business practices and their impacts on workers. Sensitive topics include forced labor conditions, anti-Semitic propaganda, and violent suppression of labor organizing.

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Reviews for Upton Sinclair's The Flivver King highlight its gripping portrayal of American industrialism and the rise of Henry Ford. Readers appreciate Sinclair's detailed narrative and incisive social critique. However, some find the characters somewhat underdeveloped. Overall, it remains a compelling exploration of economic and social change.

Who Should Read The Flivver King?

A reader who would enjoy The Flivver King by Upton Sinclair typically has a keen interest in early 20th-century American history, especially the rise of the automobile industry. Fans of The Jungle and Grapes of Wrath will appreciate the intricate social critiques and insights into the lives of workers during this transformative period.

RecommendedReading Age

15-18years

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