King Midas: a Romance By: Upton Sinclair (1878-1968)
Upton Sinclair's "King Midas: a Romance" takes readers on a captivating journey through ancient Greek mythology, weaving a compelling tale around the well-known myth of King Midas. Set against a backdrop of wealth, power, and the pursuit of endless riches, this novel offers a fresh perspective on a timeless story. The book introduces us to a complex and multifaceted protagonist in the character of King Midas. Sinclair masterfully portrays Midas as both a tragic figure and a deeply relatable human being. Through vivid descriptions and introspective passages, we gain a profound understanding of Midas's internal struggles, desires, and the consequences of his choices. One of the most striking aspects of this novel is Sinclair's exploration of the themes of greed and its destructive nature, which imbues the story with a moral weight. As Midas's insatiable desire for wealth grows, the devastating consequences that befall him and those around him are painted with painful precision. Sinclair expertly delves into the psychological ramifications of unchecked ambition, reminding readers of the dangers that lie within our own human nature. Additionally, Sinclair's skillful use of language and imagery creates a rich and immersive reading experience. The author's meticulous attention to historical detail transports us to ancient Greece, painting a vivid picture of the era's opulence and social dynamics. From the ornate palaces to the bustling marketplaces, every scene is brought to life with sensory details that engage the reader's imagination. Despite its mythical origins, "King Midas: a Romance" explores profound themes that remain relevant today. Sinclair's thought-provoking narrative encourages readers to reflect on the universal pitfalls of human ambition and the importance of balance and humility in our pursuit of success and material wealth. While some readers may be familiar with the myth of King Midas, Upton Sinclair's novel skillfully expands upon this familiar tale, presenting a fresh and captivating retelling. With its richly drawn characters, evocative setting, and powerful themes, "King Midas: a Romance" is a thought-provoking and compelling read that will leave readers reflecting long after they have turned the final page. First Page: KING MIDAS A ROMANCE By UPTON SINCLAIR I dreamed that Soul might dare the pain, Unlike the prince of old, And wrest from heaven the fiery touch That turns all things to gold. New York and London 1901 NOTE In the course of this story, the author has had occasion to refer to Beethoven's Sonata Appassionata as containing a suggestion of the opening theme of the Fifth Symphony. He has often seen this stated, and believed that the statement was generally accepted as true. Since writing, however, he has heard the opinion expressed, by a musician who is qualified to speak as an authority, that the two themes have nothing to do with each other. The author himself is not competent to have an opinion on the subject, but because the statement as first made is closely bound up with the story, he has allowed it to stand unaltered. The two extracts from MacDowell's "Woodland Sketches," on pages 214 and 291, are reprinted with the kind permission of Professor MacDowell and of Arthur P. Schmidt, publisher. PART I In the merry month of May. KING MIDAS CHAPTER I "O Madchen, Madchen, Wie lieb' ich dich!" It was that time of year when all the world belongs to poets, for their harvest of joy; when those who seek the country not for beauty, but for coolness, have as yet thought nothing about it, and when those who dwell in it all the time are too busy planting for another harvest to have any thought of poets; so that the latter, and the few others who keep something in their hearts to chime with the great spring music, have the woods and waters all for their own for two joyful months, from the time that the first snowy bloodroot has blossomed, until the wild rose has faded and nature has no more to say... Continue reading book >>

King Midas: a Romance By: Upton Sinclair (1878-1968)

Upton Sinclair's "King Midas: a Romance" takes readers on a captivating journey through ancient Greek mythology, weaving a compelling tale around the well-known myth of King Midas. Set against a backdrop of wealth, power, and the pursuit of endless riches, this novel offers a fresh perspective on a timeless story.

The book introduces us to a complex and multifaceted protagonist in the character of King Midas. Sinclair masterfully portrays Midas as both a tragic figure and a deeply relatable human being. Through vivid descriptions and introspective passages, we gain a profound understanding of Midas's internal struggles, desires, and the consequences of his choices.

One of the most striking aspects of this novel is Sinclair's exploration of the themes of greed and its destructive nature, which imbues the story with a moral weight. As Midas's insatiable desire for wealth grows, the devastating consequences that befall him and those around him are painted with painful precision. Sinclair expertly delves into the psychological ramifications of unchecked ambition, reminding readers of the dangers that lie within our own human nature.

Additionally, Sinclair's skillful use of language and imagery creates a rich and immersive reading experience. The author's meticulous attention to historical detail transports us to ancient Greece, painting a vivid picture of the era's opulence and social dynamics. From the ornate palaces to the bustling marketplaces, every scene is brought to life with sensory details that engage the reader's imagination.

Despite its mythical origins, "King Midas: a Romance" explores profound themes that remain relevant today. Sinclair's thought-provoking narrative encourages readers to reflect on the universal pitfalls of human ambition and the importance of balance and humility in our pursuit of success and material wealth.

While some readers may be familiar with the myth of King Midas, Upton Sinclair's novel skillfully expands upon this familiar tale, presenting a fresh and captivating retelling. With its richly drawn characters, evocative setting, and powerful themes, "King Midas: a Romance" is a thought-provoking and compelling read that will leave readers reflecting long after they have turned the final page.

First Page:

KING MIDAS

A ROMANCE

By UPTON SINCLAIR

I dreamed that Soul might dare the pain, Unlike the prince of old, And wrest from heaven the fiery touch That turns all things to gold.

New York and London

1901

NOTE

In the course of this story, the author has had occasion to refer to Beethoven's Sonata Appassionata as containing a suggestion of the opening theme of the Fifth Symphony. He has often seen this stated, and believed that the statement was generally accepted as true. Since writing, however, he has heard the opinion expressed, by a musician who is qualified to speak as an authority, that the two themes have nothing to do with each other. The author himself is not competent to have an opinion on the subject, but because the statement as first made is closely bound up with the story, he has allowed it to stand unaltered.

The two extracts from MacDowell's "Woodland Sketches," on pages 214 and 291, are reprinted with the kind permission of Professor MacDowell and of Arthur P. Schmidt, publisher.

PART I

In the merry month of May.

KING MIDAS

CHAPTER I

"O Madchen, Madchen, Wie lieb' ich dich!"

It was that time of year when all the world belongs to poets, for their harvest of joy; when those who seek the country not for beauty, but for coolness, have as yet thought nothing about it, and when those who dwell in it all the time are too busy planting for another harvest to have any thought of poets; so that the latter, and the few others who keep something in their hearts to chime with the great spring music, have the woods and waters all for their own for two joyful months, from the time that the first snowy bloodroot has blossomed, until the wild rose has faded and nature has no more to say... Continue reading book >>

This book is in genre
Literature

eBook links
Wikipedia – Upton Sinclair
Wikipedia – King Midas: a Romance

eBook Downloads
ePUB eBook • iBooks for iPhone and iPad • Nook • Sony Reader	Kindle eBook • Mobi file format for Kindle
Read eBook • Load eBook in browser	Text File eBook • Computers • Windows • Mac