This image is the cover for the book Manhattan Transfer, Classics To Go

Manhattan Transfer, Classics To Go

Manhattan Transfer is an American novel by John Dos Passos published in 1925. It focuses on the development of urban life in New York City from the Gilded Age to the Jazz Age as told through a series of overlapping individual stories. It is considered to be one of Dos Passos' most important works. The book attacks the consumerism and social indifference of contemporary urban life, portraying a Manhattan that is merciless yet teeming with energy and restlessness. The novel tells the stories, primarily, of four people living in Manhattan from the 1890s to the late 1920s. The stories are presented in a fragmented, contrasting way, often juxtaposing them to bring out new meaning. The title of the book refers to a railway station, and the way that Manhattan itself was undergoing change.

John Dos Passos

John Dos Passos (1896-1970) was an American novelist, playwright, poet, and artist known for his significant contributions to 20th-century American literature. He was a prominent figure in the literary movement known as the Lost Generation, and his works often explored themes of modernity, social change, and the impact of technology on society. Dos Passos wrote several other novels, including "Manhattan Transfer" (1925) and "Three Soldiers" (1921). He also dabbled in drama, poetry, and travel writing. John Dos Passos was a significant literary figure in the 20th century, and his works remain relevant for their exploration of the changing landscape of American society during a time of rapid transformation. His distinctive narrative style and social commentary have left a lasting impact on American literature.

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