The Jungle (Upton Sinclair)

"The Jungle," written by Upton Sinclair and published in 1906, is a novel that exposes the harsh realities of the American immigrant experience and the exploitation in the meatpacking industry in Chicago. Through the story of Jurgis Rudkus, a Lithuanian immigrant, Sinclair reveals the brutal working conditions, unsanitary practices, and corruption in the food industry. The book aimed to advocate for social reform, particularly regarding labor rights and public health. It had a significant impact on American society, contributing to the establishment of food safety laws and regulations, including the Pure Food and Drug Act of 1906.