Books

First edition, first printing with Scribner's 'A' to copyright page. Illustrated with 'decorations' by Edward Shenton. 8vo. Original green cloth, spine lettered in gilt, front cover with single blind fillet border, fore edge untrimmed. New York, Charles Scribner's Sons. An excellent copy of F. Scott Fitzgerald's fourth novel, published nine years after The Great Gatsby, depicting the lives of American ex-patriots living on the French Riviera at the twilight of the Jazz Age. As usual with Fitzgerald, there is a semi-autobiographical element to the novel and the relationship between the protagonists mirrors the lives of Fitzgerald and his wife Zelda. Neat contemporary pencilled ownership inscription to front free endpaper, otherwise internally clean and unmarked, some trivial shelf wear to corners, gilt lettering to spine slightly dulled, notwithstanding an excellent copy, square and tight.

"Tender Is the Night" by F. Scott Fitzgerald, published in 1934, is a complex exploration of love, ambition, and the disintegration of a marriage set in the vibrant backdrop of the 1920s. The novel primarily follows Dick and Nicole Diver, an affluent American couple living in the French Riviera. Dick, a talented psychiatrist, and Nicole, his captivating wife, initially appear to lead a glamorous and charmed life, surrounded by wealth and luxury. However, beneath the surface, their relationship is deeply troubled. As the story unfolds, Fitzgerald delves into their pasts, exposing the cracks in their marriage. Nicole suffers from mental health issues stemming from a traumatic past, and Dick, though a respected doctor, becomes increasingly entangled in his patients' lives. Their relationship becomes strained as Dick's professional ethics and personal life intersect, blurring boundaries with his patients, including the young actress Rosemary Hoyt. The novel's narrative weaves through the decadence and excesses of the Jazz Age, exploring the disillusionment and moral decay that lie beneath the veneer of opulence. Fitzgerald portrays the hedonistic society of the era, reflecting on the emptiness and shallowness of wealth and social status. As Dick and Nicole's marriage disintegrates, Fitzgerald exposes the complexities of human emotions, the fragility of mental health, and the destructive nature of ambition. The novel explores themes of identity, self-destruction, and the struggle for authenticity in a world of superficiality. Through vivid and evocative prose, Fitzgerald paints a poignant picture of the human condition, grappling with love, loss, and the inability to escape one's past. "Tender Is the Night" is a profound exploration of the human psyche and a scathing critique of the societal norms prevalent during the roaring twenties. The novel's themes and character complexities resonate with readers, offering a reflection of universal struggles within relationships and the pursuit of happiness. Despite its initial lukewarm reception, "Tender Is the Night" has gained recognition as a significant work in American literature, revered for its depth, emotional resonance, and Fitzgerald's unparalleled storytelling prowess.