Summary of "Episode 362: 'Midcentury' by John Dos Passos" from The Great Books Podcast

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Great Books
• Host/Author: National Review
• Episode: Episode 362: 'Midcentury' by John Dos Passos
• Release Date: March 4, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 362 of The Great Books podcast, hosted by John J. Miller of the National Review, the discussion centers around John Dos Passos's novel Mid Century. Joining Miller is Stephen Schreier, a professor at the University of New Brunswick, Canada, and author of several scholarly works, including his latest, National Review's Literary Network. The conversation delves into the significance of Mid Century, its literary techniques, the political transformation of Dos Passos, and his connection to the National Review.

Why Mid Century by John Dos Passos is a Great Book

Stephen Schreier highlights the book's importance and relative neglect:

"[Mid Century] is an important and extremely neglected book by a great writer."
[00:57]

Schreier provides context, explaining Dos Passos's evolution from a leftist writer associated with the Lost Generation to a conservative thinker. Mid Century, published in 1961, represents Dos Passos's late-career work where he integrates his earlier literary techniques from the USA Trilogy with his newfound conservative ideology.

Literary Style and Techniques

Mid Century is characterized by its blend of fact and fiction, utilizing innovative literary forms:

"It combines fact and fiction in an interesting way... the entire book is drawn from transcripts from the Clennan hearings into union corruption."
[03:13] – Stephen Schreier

Dos Passos employs a collage-like technique, reminiscent of modernist writers like Hemingway and Joyce, to create a comprehensive portrayal of mid-20th century America. The novel begins with a free verse poem and includes documentary sections and biographies, segregating facts from fictional narratives.

Story and Characters

The novel does not follow a single narrative thread but instead weaves together the lives of multiple characters:

• Blackie Bowman: A World War II veteran and member of the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW), representing pre-war labor activism.

  "Blackie Bowman is a wobbly... a member of the Industrial Workers of the World."
  [07:20]

• Terry Bryant: A post-war worker who becomes a taxi driver, facing corruption and violence within the labor movement. His tragic end symbolizes the decline of union integrity.

  "He becomes a taxi driver... eventually bludgeoned to death and killed."
  [23:22]

The novel culminates in the "Great Taxicab War," a confrontation that underscores the central conflict between working-class individuals and corrupt organizational forces.

Themes: Labor Unions and Communism

Mid Century explores the corruption and bureaucratization of labor unions, intertwining with the rise of the Communist Party:

"Dos Passos sees organization as the enemy... responsible for the decline of the union movement."
[25:11] – Stephen Schreier

The novel critiques the transformation of unions from grassroots, democratic organizations into hierarchically structured entities compromised by Communist influence and mafia connections, exemplified by the character Jimmy Hoffa.

John Dos Passos's Political Transition

Dos Passos's journey from leftist affiliations to conservative thought is pivotal in understanding Mid Century:

"He was associated with a lot of communist causes... in 1937, he went to Spain to observe the Spanish Civil War... turned him against the Communist Party."
[10:31] – Stephen Schreier

Post-World War II, Dos Passos became involved with libertarian publications like The Freeman and later the National Review, aligning his literary endeavors with his conservative ideology. This shift is reflected in Mid Century, where he critiques both labor and corporate organizations.

Connection to National Review

Mid Century and Dos Passos's later works align with the intellectual currents of the National Review. Schreier notes the shared worldview with contributors like James Burnham:

"Dos Passos, I think, working with a similar kind of worldview... seeing a kind of managerial takeover of America."
[20:38] – Stephen Schreier

This connection underscores the magazine's role in shaping post-war conservative literary culture, providing a platform for writers transitioning from leftist to conservative stances.

Legacy and Relevance Today

Despite its initial impact, Mid Century has faded into relative obscurity. Schreier argues for its contemporary relevance:

"It really helps illuminate the USA Trilogy... understand American culture and American politics after World War II."
[31:18] – Stephen Schreier

The novel serves as a critical examination of mid-20th century American institutions, offering insights into the evolution of labor movements and organizational power, themes that resonate with ongoing discussions about union influence and corporate governance.

Conclusion

Mid Century by John Dos Passos stands as a significant yet overlooked work that bridges Dos Passos's early modernist experiments with his later conservative critiques of American institutions. Through its multifaceted narrative and innovative literary techniques, the novel provides a comprehensive portrayal of mid-century America, reflecting the author's political transformation and intellectual engagement with the issues of his time. Stephen Schreier's analysis on The Great Books podcast illuminates the enduring value of Dos Passos's work within the broader context of American literary and political history.

Notable Quotes:

• "Mid Century is... an important and extremely neglected book by a great writer." — Stephen Schreier [00:57]
• "It combines fact and fiction in an interesting way." — Stephen Schreier [03:13]
• "Dos Passos sees organization as the enemy." — Stephen Schreier [25:11]
• "It really helps illuminate the USA Trilogy." — Stephen Schreier [31:18]