Books

Fitzgerald's last book published before his masterpiece THE GREAT GATSBY which had a print run of 20,870 copies while this book had only 7,650 published. As with the better known GATSBY, this title, Fitzgerald's only published full-length play, also explores the American Dream but here with more comic intent and more pathetic results. The main character, Jerry Frost, strives to be President of the United States, if he is unable to make it as a postman. The quotation Fitzgerald places on the center of the title page sums it up: "Any man who doesn't want to get on in the world, to make a million dollars, and maybe even park his toothbrush in the White House, hasn't got as much to him as a good dog has -- he's nothing more or less than a vegetable." Bruccoli A 10.I.a Slight foxing to the endpapers. Fine and bright in a Very Good, unrestored example of the uncommon dustwrapper that has a light stain at the bottom portion of the spine and an inch-deep chip at the top of the front cover obliterating most of the "T" in the word "The".

"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.