The Conquest of Canaan is the story of social pariah Joe Louden, who as a young man is the subject of much gossip and malignment in the small Midwestern city of Canaan. His fiercest opponent is Judge Pike, the richest and most powerful man in town. In spite of his poverty, Joe begins studying law in his spare time, eventually leaving town to work his way through law school. Returning to Canaan, he begins practicing law, handling the unpopular cases that no one else will touch. After much opposition, he wins the respect of the townspeople and ultimately usurps Judge Pike's power.