History's Best Selling Books of 1937

Hats off to 1937! Few books commanded as much fanfare and nationwide excitement as We Are Not Alone. Alongside sensationally popular hits like Their Eyes Were Watching God and Northwest Passage, consumers eagerly embraced the swell Yankee ingenuity and home-front craftsmanship. Pioneering outfits from industry leaders like James Hilton and Zora Neale Hurston set the standard for quality, producing celebrated items that swept main street from coast to coast as genuine top-flight hits. Browse our definitive retrospective below to rediscover the genuine articles of the era.

1. We Are Not Alone

   Released in 1937 by James Hilton, Little, Brown and Company

   James Hilton, already a literary sensation with "Lost Horizon" and "Goodbye, Mr. Chips," captivated readers once more in 1937 with "We Are Not Alone." This poignant novel swiftly climbed bestseller lists, solidifying Hilton's reputation for crafting emotionally resonant tales that explored the depths of human experience. Released at a time of escalating global tensions, the book offered a much-needed narrative of compassion, prejudice, and the quiet dignity of an ordinary man caught in extraordinary circumstances. Its immediate popularity wasn't just due to Hilton's established name; it was a cultural phenomenon because it spoke to the universal human search for understanding and justice amidst life's inherent loneliness.

2. Their Eyes Were Watching God

   Released in 1937 by Zora Neale Hurston, J. B. Lippincott & Co.

   Published in 1937, Zora Neale Hurston's "Their Eyes Were Watching God" emerged during a period of intense artistic and intellectual ferment, yet also profound racial segregation and economic hardship in the United States. Its historical significance lies in its radical departure from prevailing literary trends, particularly those of the Harlem Renaissance which often favored protest literature or portrayals of Black urban life designed to appeal to a white readership. Hurston instead crafted a deeply personal and culturally authentic narrative centered on the interior life and spiritual journey of a Black woman in the rural South, offering a celebration of Black folk culture, language, and the pursuit of individual freedom.

3. Northwest Passage

   Released in 1937 by Kenneth Roberts, Doubleday, Doran & Co.

   Published in 1937, Kenneth Roberts's 'Northwest Passage' exploded onto the American literary scene, quickly becoming one of the year's most talked-about and bestselling novels. In a nation grappling with the lingering economic hardships of the Great Depression, Roberts offered readers an exhilarating escape into the raw, untamed wilderness of colonial America. Its grand scope, meticulous historical detail, and gripping narrative captivated a broad audience, establishing it as an instant cultural phenomenon. The novel wasn't just a book; it was an immersive journey that tapped into a deep American fascination with frontier heroism and the spirit of exploration, solidifying its place as a literary sensation of the era.

4. Of Mice and Men

   Released in 1937 by John Steinbeck, Covici Friede

   Published in February 1937, John Steinbeck’s novella "Of Mice and Men" immediately captivated a nation grappling with the Great Depression, swiftly becoming a major cultural phenomenon. Its stark portrayal of the struggles faced by migrant workers, coupled with its profound themes of dreams and disillusionment, resonated deeply with contemporary audiences. Within months of its release, the book had established itself not just as a literary success but as a vital commentary on the human condition during a period of immense hardship. This powerful narrative catapulted Steinbeck into the literary spotlight, cementing his reputation as a voice for the working class and an unparalleled chronicler of American life.

5. The Citadel

   Released in 1937 by A. J. Cronin, Victor Gollancz Ltd

   A. J. Cronin's "The Citadel" burst onto the literary scene in 1937, immediately captivating readers on both sides of the Atlantic. More than just a novel, it swiftly became a cultural phenomenon, sparking passionate debates and soaring to the top of bestseller lists. Its raw depiction of the medical profession, from the idealism of young doctors to the systemic corruption and complacency within the healthcare system, resonated deeply with a public grappling with social change. The book's launch was met with immense enthusiasm, establishing Cronin as a literary heavyweight and positioning "The Citadel" as one of the most talked-about and impactful novels of its time, a true mirror reflecting the era's anxieties and hopes for reform.

6. The Mortal Storm

   Released in 1937 by Phyllis Bottome, Little, Brown and Company

   In a world teetering on the brink of war, Phyllis Bottome's 'The Mortal Storm' burst onto the literary scene in 1937, offering a harrowing and deeply personal look at the creeping shadow of Nazism over Germany. Published just a year before the outbreak of World War II, the novel resonated powerfully with a public desperate to understand the human cost of the escalating political turmoil. Its immediate popularity stemmed from its courage to depict the insidious way totalitarianism could tear apart families and friendships, making it not just a bestseller but a cultural phenomenon that helped shape public perception of the crisis unfolding in Europe.

7. The Rains Came

   Released in 1937 by Louis Bromfield, Harper & Brothers

   Louis Bromfield's 'The Rains Came' burst onto the literary scene in 1937, captivating readers with its lush, exotic setting and dramatic storyline. Published during the Great Depression, the novel offered a much-needed escape, transporting readers to colonial India, a world away from their everyday struggles. Its immediate popularity propelled it onto the national bestseller lists, securing its place as a major cultural phenomenon of its time. The book's compelling narrative, rich characters, and a sensational climax ensured its status as one of the year's most talked-about and widely read novels, cementing Bromfield's reputation as a master storyteller.

8. The Years

   Released in 1937 by Virginia Woolf, Hogarth Press

   Upon its publication in 1937, Virginia Woolf’s 'The Years' emerged as an unexpected sensation, captivating a broad readership and becoming her most commercially successful novel to date. Departing in some ways from the experimental modernism of her earlier works, this sprawling family saga struck a profound chord with a society on the precipice of profound change. Its exploration of generational shifts, the evolving roles of women, and the broader socio-political landscape of the early 20th century resonated deeply, solidifying its place as a significant cultural phenomenon and a testament to Woolf’s versatility as a writer.

9. Theatre

   Released in 1937 by W. Somerset Maugham, Doubleday Doran

   Theatre" burst onto the literary scene in 1937, captivating readers with its glittering yet often poignant portrayal of life behind the footlights. W. Somerset Maugham, already a celebrated master of keen observation and psychological insight, delivered a novel that immediately resonated with the public's fascination for the world of acting. As the Great Depression still cast its shadow, Maugham offered an escape into the opulent, dramatic, and emotionally charged existence of a famed stage actress. Its sharp wit, compelling character study, and exploration of authenticity versus performance quickly established it as a significant cultural phenomenon of its time, securing its place among the year's top sellers and prompting widespread discussion among critics and readers alike.