The Brass Check (Barnes & Noble Digital Library): A Study of American Journalism

By Upton Sinclair

Sinclair called Brass Check, published in 1919, "the most important and most dangerous book I have ever written."  This full-throated exposé of the hypocrisy and outright fraud afflicting the journalism of his time makes for fascinating reading today, as many of Sinclair's findings are applicable to the contemporary media landscape.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Barnes & Noble
• Release date: Feb 8, 2011
• ISBN: 9781411435544

Upton Sinclair

Upton Sinclair (1878-1968) was an American writer from Maryland. Though he wrote across many genres, Sinclair’s most famous works were politically motivated. His self-published novel, The Jungle, exposed the labor conditions in the meatpacking industry. This novel even inspired changes for working conditions and helped pass protection laws. The Brass Check exposed poor journalistic practices at the time and was also one of his most famous works.  As a member of the socialist party, Sinclair attempted a few political runs but when defeated he returned to writing. Sinclair won the Pulitzer Prize in 1943 for Fiction. Several of his works were made into film adaptations and one earned two Oscars.

Reviews for The Brass Check (Barnes & Noble Digital Library)

[mumoftheanimals · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I adore Upton Sinclair but couldn’t finish this as too repetitive. Great for students of media though.