The Jungle Book

"The Jungle," written by Upton Sinclair and published in 1906, is a novel that exposes the harsh realities of the immigrant experience in the United States, particularly in the meatpacking industry of Chicago. Through the story of Jurgis Rudkus, a Lithuanian immigrant, Sinclair highlights the exploitation, unsafe working conditions, and corruption faced by workers. The book famously reveals the unsanitary practices in meat production, shocking the public and leading to reforms in food safety. Ultimately, Sinclair's work calls for social justice and workers’ rights, fueling the progressive movement of the early 20th century.