Major Novels:
* U.S.A. Trilogy (1930-1936): A sweeping epic that chronicles American life from the turn of the 20th century to the Great Depression. It consists of three novels:
* The 42nd Parallel (1930)
* 1919 (1932)
* The Big Money (1936)
* Manhattan Transfer (1925): A sprawling, modernist novel depicting the frenetic energy of New York City in the early 20th century.
* Three Soldiers (1921): A powerful anti-war novel that explores the psychological impact of World War I on three American soldiers.
* The Adventures of a Young Man (1939): A novel that follows the life of a young man growing up during the turbulent years of the 1930s.
* Number One (1943): A political novel that satirizes the rise of fascism in America.
Other Works:
* Rosinante to the Road Again (1922): A travelogue recounting Dos Passos' journey through Europe with the writer Ernest Hemingway.
* The Ground We Cover (1942): A collection of essays and reportage on the Spanish Civil War and World War II.
* State of the Nation (1948): A collection of essays on American politics and culture.
* The Best Times (1966): A memoir of Dos Passos' life and work.
Key Characteristics of His Writing:
* Modernist Techniques: Dos Passos employed innovative techniques such as stream of consciousness, montage, and the use of multiple perspectives.
* Focus on American Life: His work often depicted the lives of ordinary Americans, exploring themes of social justice, economic inequality, and the impact of historical events.
* Political and Social Commentary: Dos Passos was a vocal critic of American capitalism, war, and injustice.
* Epic Scope: His novels were often ambitious in scope, covering large periods of time and a wide range of characters.
Dos Passos' writing remains influential today for its portrayal of American society and its innovative use of literary techniques.