Erskine Caldwell ​

Erskine Preston Caldwell was an American novelist and short story writer. His writings about poverty, racism and social problems in his native Southern United States earned him critical acclaim. His books like "Tobacco Road" and "God's Little Acre" were best-sellers.

Quick Facts ​

• Best known for his novels depicting the harsh realities of life in his native South.
• His works have been translated into 43 languages.
• Several of his books have been adapted into successful movies.
• His novel 'God's Little Acre' was a bestseller and won the National Book Award in 1933.
• His books have sold over 80 million copies worldwide.

Background ​

Caldwell was born in 1903 in White Oak, Georgia. He grew up in a region known as the "Cotton Belt," a rural community deeply affected by the Great Depression. These early experiences shaped much of his writing, as he often depicted the plight of poor, rural individuals. He began writing at a young age, creating stories about Southern life and struggles. In 1932, he achieved success with his novel Tobacco Road, a gritty portrait of the poor in the South. Other notable works include God's Little Acre and A House in the Uplands. Despite the controversial themes in his work, he became one of the most successful American authors of the mid-20th century. Caldwell passed away in 1987 in Arizona.

Writing Style and Impact ​

Caldwell's writing style uses descriptive and straightforward narratives, typically containing highly graphic descriptions of poverty and social inequity. His work is known for its realistic and vivid portrayal of life in the rural American south during the early 20th century. His work has often been controversial, but it was regarded as an important contribution to social realism literature highlighting the plight of the underprivileged.

Notable Works ​

• Tobacco Road (1932)
• God's Little Acre (1933)
• Trouble in July (1940)
• The Sure Hand of God (1947)