F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby: A Literary Reference [Paperback]

Matthew J. Bruccoli (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 10, 2002

The “colossal affair” that is Jay Gatsby’s mansion, Owl Eyes, Wolfsheim and his “gonnegtions,” West Egg, East Egg, the valley of ashes, Jordan Baker, and Daisy Fay—they belong to all time as does the American classic in which they appear. But a classic belongs to its own time, too, and this meticulously compiled, handsomely designed and generously illustrated volume documents the social reality out of which The Great Gatsby grew and the cultural milieu in which F. Scott Fitzgerald wrote. It thus identifies for contemporary readers the crazes and events, the celebrities and the criminals, the music and dances and books, that the novel’s first readers in 1925 would have immediately recognized. This invaluable companion to The Great Gatsby also examines—and illustrates with facsimiles of pages from Fitzgerald’s handwritten drafts and revised typescripts—the arduous process of composition that ultimately produced the book hailed by critic Gilbert Seldes as “vivid and glittering and entertaining.” Reviews and promotions as well as correspondence and comment from such literary figures as Edmund Wilson, Ernest Hemingway, Edith Wharton, and H. L. Mencken illuminate Gatsby’s mostly favorable critical reception. Still, in the wake of the 1940s’ Fitzgerald revival, as this volume’s final chapter on the enduring reputation of The Great Gatsby shows, the novel has fulfilled Fitzgerald’s boast that he wrote for “the youth of his own generation, the critics of the next, and the schoolmasters ever afterward,” as well as the moviemakers, play producers, choreographers, and composers. And all students of Fitzgerald and general readers will find new insights into what makes Gatsby great in this generously illustrated, engaging reference book’s every chapter.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Aman Nash was born and educated in New Delhi where he completed his Masters in history. His early interest in poetry and art led him to a career of copywriting and graphic design in advertising. He has travelled, researched and photographed extensively in Rajasthan and is actively involved in the restoration of old properties now run as a heritage chain of Neemrana "non-hotel" Hotels. He has co-authored two books with Francis Wacziarg - one of the frescoes of Shekhavati and another on the arts and crafts of Rajastahn - and is author of the national award-winning JAIPUR: The Last Destination.

Product Details

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Carroll & Graf (March 10, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0786709960
• ISBN-13: 978-0786709960
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 6.8 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #906,010 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars In-depth Fitzgerald, September 3, 2009

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This review is from: F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby: A Literary Reference (Paperback)

Matthew Bruccoli is one of the most noted contemporary Fitzgerald scholars. The extensive research into the writer's life, which is one of the most complete available, is not only thorough but also entertaining and insightful. Many a reader of Gatsby and Fitzgerald's other works will gain a new appreciation of the book by delving into Bruccoli's work. Very accessible.F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby: A Literary Reference