A long-lost literary classic...hailed by the Raleigh News & Observer as "a powerful, arresting, unforgettable book"... back in print for the first time in 70 years.
Cora Potts was born "poor white trash" in a small town in the deep south. But she uses her beauty, cunning, ambition and pure ruthlessness to escape her destiny, to survive against adversity, and rise from poverty to wealth, in a uniquely American success story that's shocking in its raw, naked intensity.
“Full of hearty gusto and makes capital reading. The humor never fails. A gorgeous panorama of the New South.” H.L. Mencken, The American Mercury
“Cora Potts startled the reading public and completely fascinated Henry L. Mencken, who thought Cora one of the greatest characters in Ameican fiction.” Damon Runyon
“The story of a hard-boiled heroine for whom the wages of sin was success. The book immediately attracted attention for its daring theme, that selfishness rather virtue wins worldly rewards. This is a savage and intelligent novel.” The Spokesman Review
“One of the most amusing and quaintly original novels the South has yet contributed to American letters,” New York Times
“Greene’s book is surprisingly obscure today, but its general message that in a corrupt society vice is virtue resonates more than ever. His genius was also in having a female character behave in a way typically ascribed to successful men, and having her go unpunished for breaking both the rule of law and of gender.” Pulp International
“A novel marked by sardonic strength and ferocious characterization which leaves an indelible impression on the reader. A story that marches with unhalting speed and irresistible impact. Greene drives steadily ahead with a sharp vigor. Cora Potts is an extraordinary figure. A powerful, arresting, unforgettable book.” Raleigh News and Observer
“Original in theme and execution, it is colorful and picturesque. There is no sentimental humbug in the treatment of Cora. To be sure, there is no moral. Greene has an uncanny gift for letting his characters speak for themselves.” Palm Beach Post
“Here is a success story more faithful to life that the average biography of an industrial leader and as purely American as the history of Sam Houston or Daniel Boone.'” The Saturday Review of Literature
“She rises in the world, not as a sorry example of vice rewarded, but of an excellent brain, overwhelming ambition, and a steadfast purpose attaining their end. Cora wants things and she gets them. Greene writes simply, using fresh material, fresh scenes, and an excellent sense of drama.” Philadelphia Inquirer
“Decidedly well-written, a masterful handling of a subject that would not be discussed in polite society. But it shouldn’t be left on the table when children are home from school.” Indianapolis Star
