Upton Sinclair, a well-educated politician, had a very mainstream life, as well as a generally unsuccessful writing career. Writing was an infatuation of his; through his writing, Sinclair (although he was unsuccessful according to book sales), he was able to make his name known throughout history. One of Sinclair's most recognized novels, The Jungle, had a profound effect on the United States meat packing industry (Shuman 1382). Upton received little popular recognition for his novels. Due to his failures in writing, Sinclair chose to pursue a career in politics. During his life, he was recognized for his work in politics: however after his death, Sinclair is most remembered for his writings.

Upton Sinclair, an only child, was born on September 20, 1878 in Baltimore, Maryland (Shuman 1382). He grew up extremely poor, as the Civil War left the Sinclair family in poverty, without land or money. Ten years later, in 1888, his family...