Arrowsmith

Arrowsmith by Sinclair Lewis (1925)

Martin Arrowsmith, an idealistic young doctor, battles against commercial medicine, institutional politics, and his own ambition to pursue pure scientific research. Lewis' most sympathetic novel and his tribute to the scientific spirit.

Historical Significance:
Published in 1925, Arrowsmith was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction — which Lewis famously declined, saying the prize was awarded not for the best novel but for the one that "best presents the wholesome atmosphere of American life." Lewis' refusal was a deliberate provocation that made national headlines. The novel was written with extensive research assistance from bacteriologist Paul de Kruif, giving it scientific accuracy rare in fiction. It remains the most beloved American novel about medicine and science, inspiring generations of young people to pursue research careers.

This public domain classic was originally published in 1925. Free to read and share.