A 14-cent stamp in the Great Americans Series commemorating the centennial of the birth of novelist Sinclair Lewis was issued on March 21, 1985, in Sauk Centre, Minnesota.
Lewis, who was born and raised in Sauk Centre, was perhaps best known for his many novels focusing on Middle America. In works such as "Main Street" (1920), "Babbitt" (1922), "Arrowsmith" (1925), and "Elmer Gantry" (1927), Lewis satirized the lifestyles of middle-class Americans. In 1930, he was the first American awarded a Nobel Prize for Literature.
Although he earned his reputation as a novelist, Lewis also wrote many short stories for numerous magazines including "Redbook," "Cosmopolitan," and "Saturday Evening Post" and was book editor for "Newsweek."
Since their publication, the literary works of Sinclair Lewis have delighted many readers while infuriating others, but most critics agree that he had a major impact on American literature. By skillfully weaving brash satire with exaggerated dramatic elements, Lewis secured a place on the list of all-time literary giants.
The stamp's designer, typographer, and art director was Bradbury Thompson of Riverside, Connecticut. It was printed in the intaglio process and issued in panes of 100. The engravers were Thomas Hipschen (vignette) and Stanley Scantlin (lettering and numerals).
