First published 1922, "The Beautiful and Damned" is F. Scott Fitzgerald's second novel, which follows upon many of the same themes of his first novel, "This Side of Paradise." It is the story of Anthony Patch who because of the expectation of inheriting a large fortune from his grandfather is unmotivated to work and floats through various vocations. Anthony seeks escape from his unmotivated life through socializing and an increasing alcoholism. He is in love with Gloria Gilbert, a beautiful young socialite and aspiring actress. The novel addresses a theme common to Fitzgerald's work, that being the moral decline and directionless lethargy that had consumed the American upper class during the early part of the 20th century. Set during the Jazz Age before and after the First World War, "The Beautiful and Damned" is a brilliant and tragic character study that explores the intricacies of married life and intimacy. Believed to have been based on Fitzgerald's own relationship with his wife Zelda, the characters of the novel are complex figures that are disproportionately consumed with their pasts unable to act as agents for their own well-being in the present. This edition is printed on premium acid-free paper.
F. Scott Fitzgerald
F. Scott Fitzgerald was an American novelist and short story writer known for his portrayal of the Jazz Age in American literature. His most notable works include "The Great Gatsby," "Tender is the Night," and "This Side of Paradise."
Fitzgerald's writing style is characterized by his use of lyrical prose and exploration of the themes of wealth, class, and the American Dream. He is considered one of the greatest American writers of the 20th century and his works continue to be studied and celebrated for their insight into the social and cultural dynamics of his time.
"The Great Gatsby" is Fitzgerald's most famous work and is widely regarded as a masterpiece of American literature. The novel explores the themes of love, wealth, and the pursuit of the American Dream, and has had a lasting impact on the literary genre of the novel. Fitzgerald's contributions to literature include his exploration of the complexities of human relationships and his keen observations of American society during the 1920s.