The Complete Works (eBook)

F. Scott Fitzgerald (1896-1940) is regarded as one of the quintessential voices of the Jazz Age, a term he popularized. Born Francis Scott Key Fitzgerald in St. Paul, Minnesota, he rose to prominence as a chronicler of the Roaring Twenties and is best known for his novel 'The Great Gatsby' (1925), which has become a staple in American literature classes due to its evocative depiction of the flamboyance and excess of the era along with its poignant critique of the American Dream. His literary corpus, collected in 'The Complete Works,' reveals a nuanced examination of wealth, class, and human aspirations. Beyond 'The Great Gatsby,' Fitzgerald's notable works include 'This Side of Paradise' (1920), which rocketed him to fame, 'The Beautiful and Damned' (1922), and 'Tender Is the Night' (1934). Each of these works showcases Fitzgerald's signature style—lyrical prose, rich with metaphor and symbolism, exploring themes of youth, despair, and the passage of time. Despite personal struggles with alcoholism and financial instability, exacerbated by his wife Zelda's mental health issues, Fitzgerald's work has remained influential, earning him a posthumous recognition as one of the great American writers. His exploration of the dichotomies inherent in the American ethos has proved enduringly relevant, and his masterful manipulation of language and form continues to captivate readers and scholars alike.