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Literary Fiction· United States

The Great American Novel

by Philip Roth
Aggregate Editorial Score30/100
Published 1973English
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About This Book

Few works of literary fiction have earned the sustained critical attention that The Great American Novel (1973) by Philip Roth continues to receive. Philip Roth's 'The Great American Novel' is a satirical take on the American pastime of baseball, blending humor with a critique of American culture. The novel is a metafictional exploration of the myth of the 'Great American Novel' itself, using baseball as a metaphor for broader societal issues. Roth's work is significant for its inventive narrative style and its commentary on the American dream. Themes of American identity, satire, myth of the American dream run through the work.

Book Details

AuthorPhilip Roth
Published1973
Country of Origin🇺🇸 United States
LanguageEnglish
Category📖 Literary Fiction
ISBN9780679749066
Editorial Score30/100
About the Category

📖 Literary Fiction

Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.

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Country of Origin

🇺🇸 United States

This book is part of United States's rich literary tradition.

Explore books from United States →

Editorial Assessment

The Great American Novel by Philip Roth sits within the tradition of literary fiction that treats language as seriously as plot. Published in 1973 in United States, it engages with American identity, satire, myth of the American dream, sports as metaphor in ways that have earned it lasting critical attention. The book's place in the literary record rests on its presence across major prize lists and critical surveys. Its aggregate editorial score of 30/100 reflects recognition from 1 independent editorial sources, from international prizes to specialist critical journals. Readers coming to The Great American Novel for the first time will find a work that rewards patience. The book's handling of American identity, satire, myth of the American dream, sports as metaphor is layered rather than didactic, and a second reading often reveals dimensions the first pass only hinted at. The Great American Novel reflects Philip Roth's place in a wider literary tradition. The book's concerns resonate with United States's broader cultural preoccupations, even as they reach beyond any single national context.
About this assessment: Editorial scores are aggregated from 1 independent sources including major literary prizes, critical surveys, and leading publications. Our editorial team reviews and contextualises this data. Rankings reflect critical consensus, not personal opinion or popularity metrics. Learn about our methodology.

Awards & Recognition

NYT Best Sellers
notable · national
19730
✍️
About the Author
Philip Roth
United States
View Author →

Philip Roth is a celebrated author from United States known for influential works of literary fiction.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Great American Novel about?

Philip Roth's 'The Great American Novel' is a satirical take on the American pastime of baseball, blending humor with a critique of American culture. The novel is a metafictional exploration of the myth of the 'Great American Novel' itself, using baseball as a metaphor for broader societal issues. Roth's work is significant for its inventive narrative style and its commentary on the American dream.

Who wrote The Great American Novel?

The Great American Novel was written by Philip Roth, from United States. First published in 1973.

What awards has The Great American Novel won?

The Great American Novel has received the following recognition: notable critical recognition.

Is The Great American Novel worth reading?

The Great American Novel is a well-regarded book with an aggregate editorial score of 30/100 on 50 Best Books. It is particularly recommended for readers interested in American identity, satire, myth of the American dream.

Where can I buy The Great American Novel?

You can buy The Great American Novel on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is The Great American Novel?

The Great American Novel is classified as Literary Fiction. Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.

What country is The Great American Novel from?

The Great American Novel originates from United States's literary tradition. Explore more books from United States on our country page.

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