King Midas

An early novel by the great muckraking author of The Jungle, King Midas is a romantic tale that explores love, art, wealth, and idealism among its young characters. Written before Sinclair turned to hard-hitting social exposé, it reveals a more lyrical, romantic side of his talent while already showing his interest in moral seriousness and the conflict between money and higher values. Earnest and heartfelt, the novel offers a window onto the youthful ambitions of a writer who would become one of America’s most influential social novelists. For readers curious about Upton Sinclair beyond his famous crusading works, King Midas is a revealing and tender early effort.