Elmer Gantry

This novel tells the story of a young, charismatic, and morally corrupt salesman who becomes involved in evangelism. Gantry's involvement in the revivalist circuit brings him into contact with Sister Sharon Falconer, a lay preacher, and Lulu Bains, a former acquaintance who has become a prostitute. The novel explores themes of hypocrisy, greed, and the corrupting influence of power and fame. It was a bestseller upon its release and was adapted into a fabulous film in 1960 starring Burt Lancaster as Gantry. - Summary by William Jones