Throughout a single day in 1892, John Shawnessy recalls the great moments of his life—from the love affairs of his youth in Indiana, to the battles of the Civil War, to the politics of the Gilded Age, to his homecoming as schoolteacher, husband, and father. Shawnessy is the epitome of the place and period in which he lives, a rural land of springlike women, shady gamblers, wandering vagabonds, and soapbox orators. Yet here on the banks of the Shawmucky River, which weaves its primitive course through Raintree County, Indiana, he also feels and obeys ancient rhythms. A number-one bestseller when it was first published in 1948, this powerful novel is a compelling vision of 19th-century America with timeless resonance today.
An achievement of art and purpose, a cosmically brooding book full of significance and beauty. —The New York Times
[A] candidate for that mythical honor, the Great American Novel,Raintree Countydisplays unflagging industry [and] a . . . magnificent vitality. —Saturday Review
“No myth is more imposing than the Great American Novel; but if it is truly unattainable, I believe that Ross Lockridge made closer approach than any other writer has, before or since.” —Fort Worth Star-Telegram
My favorite novel of all time isRaintree County. It's about American journalism, patriotism, and a star-crossed love affair a hundred years ago. Like the Bible, you can pick it up, read any page, and gain something. It's poetry. Forget the movie, if you saw it, the book is something entirely different. —Edna Buchanan, author,You Only Die TwiceandCold Case Squad
“The powerful currents and depth of this great swollen river of a book remain irresistible.Raintree Countydoesn't have to be the great Americló:
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