Upton Sinclair's ultimate goal was not only to speak for "the workingmen of America," the people he dedicated The Jungle to, but it was to question the people of the country of their capitalist system. Wasn't it true that the intense competition for the will to survive caused the working-class of America to graze their horrifying "urban landscape" like uncivilized animals of a savage jungle? The first twenty or so chapters of his novel, with its vivid detail and heartbreaking events, caused the people of America to open their eyes and realize that their country was far from perfect. As a convert to socialism himself, Mr. Sinclair was a firm believer that the evils of capitalism were to blame for all the misfortune and suffering millions of workers and immigrants struggled to overcome, and by writing reforming books such as this one, he helped to improve the lives...