Appointment in Samarra is a novel by John O'Hara, first published in 1934. The novel tells the story of Julian English, a wealthy and successful car dealer in the small Pennsylvania town of Gibbsville. Despite his success, Julian is unhappy and becomes embroiled in a series of destructive relationships and behaviors that ultimately lead to his downfall.
The novel is structured as a series of interconnected vignettes that trace Julian's descent into self-destruction. O'Hara's writing is known for its attention to detail and realism, and he does an excellent job of depicting the social dynamics and class tensions of small-town America in the 1930s.
Overall, Appointment in Samarra is a well-written and thought-provoking novel that explores themes of social status, morality, and the consequences of one's actions. It is a classic of American literature and a must-read for anyone interested in the works of John O'Hara or the history of 20th-century literature.