The Power and the Glory

by Greene, Graham; Updike, John

• ISBN13: 9780143107552
• ISBN10: 0143107550
• Additional ISBN(s): 9780142437308
• Edition: Revised
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2015-03-24
• Publisher: Penguin Classics
• More Book Details

About This Book

The Power and the Glory by Graham Greene is a timeless masterpiece that has captivated readers for generations. Published in 1940, this novel has been named one of the 100 best novels of the twentieth century by *Time* magazine. It is a moralist thriller that traces a line of influence back to Dostoyevsky and forward to Cormac McCarthy.

Who Uses It?

Primarily, this book is used by students and educators in literature and humanities courses at the college and university levels. It is also a valuable resource for anyone interested in exploring themes of morality, spirituality, and human survival. The book's complex characters and philosophical undertones make it an excellent choice for advanced high school students and undergraduate students studying literary fiction.

History and Editions

The Power and the Glory has been reissued in various formats over the years, including a 2015 edition by Penguin Classics. This edition commemorates the book's 75th anniversary and includes an introduction by John Updike. The novel's enduring popularity stems from its gripping narrative and profound exploration of human nature.

Author and Other Works

Graham Greene was a renowned author known for his insightful and compassionate writing style. He is celebrated for his ability to capture the complexities of human experience through his works. Some of his notable books include *The Complete Father Brown Stories*, *The Comedians*, and *The Man Within*. Greene's writing often delves into themes of morality, faith, and the human condition, making him a beloved author among literary enthusiasts.

Detailed Information

ISBNs and Formats

• Paperback: ISBN-13: 9780143107552
• eBook: ISBN-13: 9780143107569
• eBook: ISBN-13: 9780143107576
• Audiobook: ISBN-13: 9780143107583

Publication Details

• Publisher: Penguin Publishing Group
• Publication Date: March 24, 2015
• Number of Pages: 240
• Language: English

Other Editions and Formats

The Power and the Glory has been published in various formats over the years. Here are some additional ISBNs for different editions:

• Hardcover: ISBN-13: 9780143107544
• Audiobook: ISBN-13: 9780143107590
• E-book (Various Platforms): ISBN-13: 9780143107569, ISBN-13: 9780143107576

Key Features

• Classic Literary Fiction: The Power and the Glory is a classic example of literary fiction that explores themes of morality, faith, and human survival.
• Historical Context: Set in Mexico during the late 1930s, the novel provides a gripping historical context that adds depth to its narrative.
• Complex Characters: The book features complex characters like the "whiskey priest," whose moral struggles and spiritual dilemmas make for compelling reading.
• Timeless Themes: Despite being written over 75 years ago, The Power and the Glory remains relevant today due to its timeless themes and universal appeal.

Author Biography

GRAHAM GREENE (1904-1991), whose long life nearly spanned the length of the twentieth century, was one of its greatest novelists. Educated at Berkhamsted School and Balliol College, Oxford, he started his career as a sub-editor of the London Times. He began to attract notice as a novelist with his fourth book, Orient Express, in 1932. In 1935, he trekked across northern Liberia, his first experience in Africa, told in A Journey Without Maps (1936). He converted to Catholicism in 1926, an edifying decision, and reported on religious persecution in Mexico in 1938 in The Lawless Roads, which served as a background for his famous The Power and the Glory, one of several “Catholic” novels (Brighton Rock, The Heart of the Matter, The End of the Affair). During the war he worked for the British secret service in Sierra Leone; afterward, he began wide-ranging travels as a journalist, which were reflected in novels such as The Quiet American, Our Man in Havana, The Comedians, Travels with My Aunt, The Honorary Consul, The Human Factor, Monsignor Quixote, and The Captain and the Enemy. As well as his many novels, Graham Greene wrote several collections of short stories, four travel books, six plays, two books of autobiography, A Sort of Life and Ways of Escape, two biographies, and four books for children. He also contributed hundreds of essays and film and book reviews to The Spectator and other journals, many of which appear in the late collection Reflections. Most of his novels have been filmed, including The Third Man, which the author first wrote as a film treatment. Graham Greene was named Companion of Honour and received the Order of Merit among numerous other awards.

JOHN UPDIKE (1932-2009) was the author of more than sixty books, including collections of short stories, poems, and criticism. His novels have been honored with the Pulitzer Prize (twice), the National Book Award, and the Howells Medal of the American Academy of Arts and Letters. Hugging the Shore, an earlier collection of essays and reviews, received the National Book Critics Circle Award for criticism. He died in January 2009.