First published in 1924, Edna Ferber felt unsure about her novel So Big, which would eventually go on to win a Pulitzer Prize, and inspire adaptations for film, radio and television. Set in a rural community within a Chicago suburb, So Big features a slice-of-life narrative, with strong themes of community, expression, and family. With intricate description of the daily life of the lower-class Dutch community, contemporary readers are afforded a privileged perspective into the social dynamics of early 20th century America.
This edition of So Big by Edna Ferber now features a new, eye-catching cover design and is printed in a font that is both modern and readable. With these accommodations, this edition of So Big crafts an accessible and pleasant reading experience for modern audiences while restoring the original mastery and emotion of Edna Ferber’s literature.
Edna Ferber (1885-1968) was an American author and playwright. Born in Kalamazoo, Michigan, Ferber moved around a lot as a child due to her father’s unpredictable employment and was often harassed with anti-Semitic taunts. Ferber originally wanted to study to become an actress, but left her education at seventeen to help support her family. First working as a reporter, Ferber was known for her quick wit and high quality of work. In 1925, she won a Pulitzer Prize for her novel So Big. By the end of her impressive career, Ferber wrote two autobiographies, thirteen novels, ten collections of short fiction, eight plays, one screenplay, and three of were works were adapted into musicals.