SINCLAIR LEWIS

Evening Post, Volume CXI, Issue 79, 3 April 1926, Page 21

SINCLAIR LEWIS

Sinclair Lewis is one of a number of American authors who have answered in the "Nation" the question: "Can a literary artist function freely in the United States?" The author of "Main Street," "Babbitt," and some others answers "Yes and no," for he proves, by citing the names of numerous writers who have done so, that it is possible to live in the United States and still do good literary work, and then, by naming many others who spend most of their time abroad, he proves the contrary. Having thus placed himself securely on the fence, he continues:— "And Henry James (his name must, whatever else you say, enter any discussion of this matter) —Henry James in a proper Back Bay residence, with a month annually in Bar Harbour, would have woven about himself precisely the same unreal environment as he wove in London—in his London—• that mirage London composed of viscountesses, the maiden aunts of vicars, and the second cousins of Cambridge dons; a London devoid of cigar salesmen, mail carriers, Wesleyan M.P.'s, and Socialistic journalists." Mr. Lewis's advice to those who intend going in for a literary career has the double merit of being both perfectly sound and perfectly agreeable to all. Here it is:— j"Stay home? Why, certainly—if you can afford to, if you like to, and if you can find a reliable bootlegger. "Stay homo? Why, certainly—if you can make""a living there, if you can raise the fare, and if you can get along without corn on cob. ''Do what you want to .... if you can!"