Reviews for Upton Sinclair's The Flivver King highlight its gripping portrayal of American industrialism and the rise of Henry Ford. Readers appreciate Sinclair's detailed narrative and incisive social critique. However, some find the characters somewhat underdeveloped. Overall, it remains a compelling exploration of economic and social change.

A reader who would enjoy The Flivver King by Upton Sinclair typically has a keen interest in early 20th-century American history, especially the rise of the automobile industry. Fans of The Jungle and Grapes of Wrath will appreciate the intricate social critiques and insights into the lives of workers during this transformative period.

The Flivver King by Upton Sinclair tells the stories of Henry Ford's rise from an inventor to a wealthy industrial magnate and the parallel life of Abner Shutt, a devoted Ford employee, depicting the evolution of Ford’s business practices and their impacts on workers. Sensitive topics include forced labor conditions, anti-Semitic propaganda, and violent suppression of labor organizing.

Informative / Gritty / Melancholic / Challenging / Nostalgic

- The Flivver King was published in 1937, coinciding with the rise of labor movements and the Great Depression, offering critical insights into the socio-economic issues of the time.
- Upton Sinclair, known for his muckraking journalism, used The Flivver King to critique the automotive industry and its impact on American society, particularly focusing on Henry Ford and the effects of industrial capitalism.
- The book was part of Sinclair's efforts to support labor rights, serving as propaganda to promote the United Auto Workers union.

**Abner Shutt**  
A frail and honest worker with a deep belief in hard work and meritocracy, who remains loyal to Ford despite exploitation. He struggles with political contradictions and loyalties while interacting with labor activists.

**Henry Ford**  
An inventive, hardworking entrepreneur who becomes increasingly isolated and authoritarian as he gains wealth and power. Ford struggles with applying theoretical concepts, preferring practical experience, and becomes disconnected from his workers.

**Milly Shutt (née Crock)**  
Abner’s supportive wife, whose beauty and good nature are worn down by poverty and labor, yet she remains loyal to Ford. She symbolizes the struggles of working-class families in maintaining faith in their employers.

**John "Johnny" Shutt**  
The eldest Shutt child who aspires to rise socially and financially within Ford's company. His loyalty to Ford grows despite economic hardships during the Depression.

**Annabelle Shutt**  
John's status-conscious wife, determined to climb socially and who increasingly opposes labor movements during the Depression. She becomes more stringent in politics and household management.

**Daisy Baggs (née Shutt)**  
Abner and Milly’s daughter, practical and romantic, who accomplishes her aim to work in an office but faces challenges during the Depression. She remains loyal and supportive of family connections.

**Hank Shutt**  
The rebellious Shutt son who becomes involved in bootlegging and later works as a spy for Ford’s service department. Despite his hardened demeanor, he retains family loyalty.

**Tom "Tommy" Shutt**  
The youngest Shutt child, intellectually driven and socially conscious, who pursues a career supporting labor rights after college. Determined and likable, he is committed to justice and equality.

**Dell Brace**  
Tom’s supportive partner, a devoted labor activist from a conservative background who works as a welfare worker in Detroit. Dell is compassionate and idealistic, worried for Tom’s safety.

Upton Sinclair

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The Flivver King Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-3

The Flivver King Chapters 1-3 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 4-6

The Flivver King Chapters 4-6 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 7-9

The Flivver King Chapters 7-9 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 10-12

The Flivver King Chapters 10-12 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 13-15

The Flivver King Chapters 13-15 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 16-18

The Flivver King Chapters 16-18 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 19-21

The Flivver King Chapters 19-21 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 22-24

The Flivver King Chapters 22-24 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 25-27

The Flivver King Chapters 25-27 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 28-30

The Flivver King Chapters 28-30 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 31-33

The Flivver King Chapters 31-33 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 34-36

The Flivver King Chapters 34-36 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 37-39

The Flivver King Chapters 37-39 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 40-42

The Flivver King Chapters 40-42 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 43-45

The Flivver King Chapters 43-45 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 46-48

The Flivver King Chapters 46-48 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 49-51

The Flivver King Chapters 49-51 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 52-54

The Flivver King Chapters 52-54 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 55-57

The Flivver King Chapters 55-57 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 58-60

The Flivver King Chapters 58-60 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 61-63

The Flivver King Chapters 61-63 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 64-66

The Flivver King Chapters 64-66 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 67-69

The Flivver King Chapters 67-69 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 70-72

The Flivver King Chapters 70-72 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 73-75

The Flivver King Chapters 73-75 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 76-78

The Flivver King Chapters 76-78 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 79-81

The Flivver King Chapters 79-81 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 82-84

The Flivver King Chapters 82-84 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 85-92

The Flivver King Chapters 85-92 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

The Flivver King Character Analysis

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Themes

The Flivver King Themes

Symbols & Motifs

The Flivver King Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

The Flivver King Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

The Flivver King Essay Topics

The Flivver King: A Story of Ford-America

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