Two months ago Sinclair Lewis went touring in his native Middle West, scene of Main Street, Babbitt, Elmer Gantry. One day in Madison, Wis. he met University of Wisconsin's President Clarence A. Dykstra, took such a fancy to academic life that he impulsively offered to teach Wisconsin's students without pay. President Dykstra agreed.
"Professor" Lewis leased a house in Madison until July, settled down to teach creative writing to 28 enthusiastic undergraduates. They soon pronounced him a "right guy." He lectured to his class at top speed, carried on bull sessions in his study far into the night. He told his students:...