Mammonart: An essay in economic interpretation

Name: Mammonart: An essay in economic interpretation
Author: Upton Sinclair

By Upton Sinclair

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Art Essays, Letters & Speeches Politics

About This Book

A sustained series of essays argues that art is shaped by economic conditions and class interests rather than existing as an autonomous realm, claiming the supposed divide between pure art and propaganda functions as a ruling-class tool. Combining psychological observation and historical survey, the writer critiques patronage, critics, press, and cultural institutions to show how ownership, market forces, and social hierarchy determine subjects, taste, and access. The pieces examine artistic personality and idealization and urge readers to interpret aesthetic production in relation to labor, power, and social reform.

About the Author

Upton Sinclair

Upton Sinclair (1878-1968) was an American writer and social activist known for his influential works that often critiqued social injustices and the capitalist system. His most famous novel, "The Jungle," exposed the harsh conditions and exploited lives of immigrants in the United States, particularly in the meatpacking industry, leading to significant reforms in food safety regulations. Sinclair's prolific career included over 90 books, spanning various genres, including fiction, non-fiction, and plays. His commitment to social change and progressive politics is evident throughout his body of work, which remains relevant in discussions of labor rights and economic inequality.