Elmer Gantry is a novel that presents aspects of the religious activity in America during the fundamentalist and evangelistic movements of the 1920s. The story follows the rise of Reverend Dr. Elmer Gantry, a man initially attracted to the ministry for all the wrong reasons - booze, money, and women.

Despite his hypocritical nature and numerous scandals, Gantry becomes a successful Methodist minister, navigating his way through various religious and political landscapes. His journey is marked by both failures and successes, as he charmingly manipulates those around him.

Originally published in 1927, Elmer Gantry was met with controversy, denounced by religious communities, and even banned in some areas. However, its biting satire and critical examination of religious hypocrisy made it a bestseller and an enduring classic in American literature.

This novel offers a window into a particularly important aspect of American history, showcasing the interplay between religion and society with a sharp, satirical edge.