The Carpetbaggers

The Carpetbaggers is a 1961 novel by Harold Robbins. The book, which became a bestseller, features characters loosely based on figures like tycoon Howard Hughes and actress Jean Harlow. It is characterized by its blend of sex, crime, and sensationalism, typical of Robbins's mass-market fiction style. The novel's success allowed Robbins to live a lavish lifestyle, mirroring the extravagant lives of his fictional characters. The term "carpetbagger" itself historically referred to Northerners who moved to the South during Reconstruction, often accused of exploiting the region for personal gain. The novel's title plays on this historical connotation, suggesting characters who are opportunistic and perhaps unwelcome interlopers.12