When Allan moves to New York City from Mississippi, his brother, Oliver, who had been living in the city for a few years prior, decides to introduce Allan to an exclusive group of wealthy people. Hoping that it will help Allan's law business, Oliver gets Allan invites to parties and meetings, which quickly grant Allan access to the decadence of the rich. With expensive cars, private trains, thousand-dollar clothing, and gluttonous meals made by servants, these rich elites are living at the height of luxury. Meanwhile, the lower-class citizens of the city are stuck in job with poor work conditions, terrible pay, and unsafe environments. Most even struggled to keep their family fed. Allan is unable to turn a blind eye to the suffering. He launches a court case to help lessen the blight of the poor, but soon realizes that the people he is fighting against are the elite citizens he had met before--the most powerful people in New York. As Allan remembers the drama of the elite, including torrid affairs, issues of alcoholism, venomous gossip, and vicious backstabbing, he knows that he must be careful and clever to survive the shallow values and cruel intentions of the wealthy society. Known as a master of detail, Upton Sinclair depicts a story of high drama with meticulous prose and compelling themes. Set in the exciting scene of New York City in 1907, The Metropolis depicts a duality by showing both the glamourous and obscene lifestyle of the rich and the desolate, difficult life of the poor and working class. This contrast describes the cruelty of the rich, often making the poor victims to their greed and selfishness. With a compelling message, plot twists, and backstabbing, The Metropolis is both an entertaining and enthralling read. This edition of The Metropolis by Upton Sinclair features an eye-catching cover design and is printed in a modern and readable font. With these accommodations, contemporary readers are able to enjoy Upton Sinclair's distinguished novel with style and ease.
