Books

New York: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1923. First edition of what Fitzgerald called, "undoubtedly the best thing I have ever written." Octavo, original cloth. Association copy, inscribed by the author on the front free endpaper, "Dear Mr. Swelwynn (sic)- Here's the new version of the play. Sincerely F. Scott Fitzgerald." The recipient, prominent figure in American theatre and film in the first half of the 20th century. An actor, playwright, director and producer on Broadway, he founded a theatrical production company with his brother, Archibald Selwyn, and owned a number of Selwyn Theatres in the United States. He transferred his talents from the stage to motion pictures, and directed a film for which Helen Hayes received the Academy Award for Best Actress. Selwyn co-founded Goldwyn Pictures in 1916. Near fine in the rare original dust jacket with light rubbing and wear. Jacket illustration by John Held, Jr. An exceptional association. Fitzgerald’s original title for this…

"The Vegetable" stands as a unique and lesser-known work by F. Scott Fitzgerald, written in 1923 during a tumultuous period in the author's life. This comedic play is a departure from Fitzgerald's typical style, marking an experiment with satire and political commentary. The story centers on Jerry Frost, an amiable but somewhat naive young man, who inherits a substantial fortune when his father dies unexpectedly. Despite lacking any interest in politics, Jerry finds himself thrust into the political arena due to the manipulations of his ambitious and scheming mother, Mrs. Frost, and her associates. They see an opportunity to use Jerry's popularity and financial resources to advance their own political agendas. The play unfolds with Jerry reluctantly becoming a mayoral candidate for a town called Santa Paloma, a place characterized by its corruption and absurdity. Jerry's lack of political knowledge and his genuine, good-natured personality are exploited by those around him, turning his campaign into a farcical series of events. Throughout the play, Fitzgerald uses Jerry's experiences in politics to satirize the American political system of his time. He highlights the influence of money, the manipulation of public opinion, and the superficiality of political campaigns. The title, "The Vegetable," is a satirical reference to Jerry's perceived passivity and supposed lack of intellect by those attempting to control him for their gain. Despite the farcical elements, the play also touches on deeper themes. Jerry's journey becomes a commentary on the loss of innocence and the complexities of navigating a world driven by self-interest and manipulation. Although "The Vegetable" was not a critical or commercial success during Fitzgerald's lifetime, it provides insight into his experimentation with different literary forms and his attempt to satirize the political landscape of his era. It remains an intriguing piece for enthusiasts of Fitzgerald's work, offering a departure from his more renowned novels and showcasing his versatility as a writer.