Free and Other Stories

Theodore Dreiser, born in 1871, emerged from a large Catholic family and pursued journalism before becoming a notable novelist. His first work, "Sister Carrie," faced controversy and poor sales, yet later gained acclaim as a seminal urban novel. Dreiser's most significant success, "An American Tragedy," reflects his observations on ambition and crime in America. Over time, he became politically active, embracing socialism and later joining the Communist Party. His literary and political endeavors were often met with resistance due to their challenge to societal norms. Dreiser passed away in 1945.