Set during the end of World War II, the novel follows Tyrone Slothrop, a lieutenant in the U.S. Army, as he tries to uncover the truth behind a mysterious device, the "Schwarzgerät", that the Germans are using in their V-2 rockets. The narrative is complex and multi-layered, filled with a vast array of characters and subplots, all connected by various themes such as paranoia, technology, and the destructive nature of war. The book is known for its encyclopedic nature and its challenging, postmodernist style.

The U.S.A. Trilogy is a series of three novels that chronicle the lives of various characters in the first half of the 20th century in the United States. The narrative intertwines the stories of twelve characters as they navigate the societal changes and upheavals of the era, including World War I, the Great Depression, and the rise of Hollywood. The author uses a unique narrative technique that combines traditional prose, newspaper-style headlines, biographies, and stream-of-consciousness writing to paint a vivid picture of American life during this period.

"The Day of the Locust" is a novel set in 1930s Hollywood, portraying the dark side of the American dream through the lives of its desperate characters. The protagonist, a young artist from the East Coast, finds himself disillusioned by the superficiality and decay of Hollywood society, which is filled with failed actors, charlatans, and lost souls. The narrative culminates in a violent riot, symbolizing the destructive power of frustrated dreams and the harsh reality of the American dream.

"Wise Blood" is a novel about a young man named Hazel Motes, who returns home to Tennessee after serving in World War II and finds his religious beliefs shaken. He becomes a street preacher, founding the Church Without Christ to preach his message of faithlessness. The book explores themes of redemption, faith, and the struggle between belief and atheism as Hazel interacts with a variety of eccentric characters and faces his own internal battles.

This novel revolves around an advice columnist, who writes under the pseudonym "Miss Lonelyhearts", for a New York newspaper during the Great Depression. As he reads and responds to the desperate letters from the city's distressed and downtrodden, he becomes increasingly disillusioned and depressed, struggling with his own faith, identity, and the bleakness of the human condition. The protagonist's personal life also spirals out of control, entangling him in a series of complicated romantic relationships and leading to a tragic conclusion.

The novel follows the life of a bright and dedicated young man, Martin Arrowsmith, who dreams of making significant contributions to medical science. He faces a constant struggle between his ambition and the demands of his professional and personal life. His journey takes him from a small Midwestern town to the prestigious universities of the East Coast, and eventually to a deadly outbreak in the Caribbean. Throughout his journey, he grapples with the corruption, greed, and mediocrity that he finds pervading the medical field, all while trying to remain true to his scientific ideals.

This novel is a World War I allegory where a Christ-like figure emerges within a French regiment, sparking a mutiny. The figure, a corporal, persuades his squadron to not attack in the bloody conflict, leading to their court-martial and execution. The narrative explores themes of war, morality, and the human spirit, with the corporal's actions causing a ripple effect, impacting the lives of soldiers, officers, and even a Jesuit priest.

This collection features the complete works of a renowned American author, known for his dark humor and social criticism. The book includes four novels and various other writings that depict the disillusionment and despair of the Great Depression era. His stories often revolve around aspiring artists and Hollywood dreamers, exploring themes of fame, illusion, and the American Dream. The author's unique style blends satire and tragedy, creating a distinct voice in 20th-century American literature.

This novel tells the story of the Timberlake family, focusing on two sisters, Stanley and Roy. Stanley is a selfish, manipulative woman who abandons her husband for her sister Roy's husband, causing a series of tragic events. Meanwhile, Roy, the more responsible and virtuous sister, must navigate the fallout of Stanley's actions. The book explores themes of family, morality, and the destructive power of selfishness, all set against the backdrop of the American South in the early 20th century.

"The Skin of Our Teeth" is a groundbreaking play that chronicles the enduring struggles and resilience of the human race through the allegorical story of the Antrobus family. Set in various eras of human history, the family confronts repeated catastrophes, including the Ice Age, a great flood, and a devastating war. With a blend of tragic and comic elements, the play employs a metatheatrical style, breaking the fourth wall and commenting on the nature of human existence. Through the cyclical trials and triumphs of the Antrobus family, the narrative emphasizes the persistence and adaptability of humanity in the face of constant challenges, encapsulating the spirit of survival against all odds.