Books

Octavo, 145pp, [2pp ads]. Original teal green cloth, title stamped in blind on front cover. Title in gilt on spine, now rubbed away. Stated "Published April, 1923" with Scribner's Seal on copyright page. Solid text block, shallow bump to fore edge of covers, touch of wear to head and tail of spine. Faint stain to spine, slightly visible on rear endpaper. Text remains clean and legible. Previous ownership inscription to front free endpaper. In the publisher's original dust jacket, $1.50 retail price listed, with a few small chips and faint soiling. Professionally restored jacket with tissue repairs to edges, folds, and verso. Includes color touch-ups to spine and front panel. The first state jacket, with blurbs for The Beautiful and Damned and Tales of the Jazz Age on the front flap, and ads for the fifth printing of Flappers and Philosophers and the thirteenth printing of This Side of Paradise on the rear flap. (Bruccoli A10.1.a). The Vegetable, Fitzgerald's only play, was the last publication before the release of his magnum opus, The Great Gatsby. The first performance of The Vegetable occurred on November 19, 1923 at the Apollo Theatre in Atlantic City, NJ. The show was not well received, with Zelda Fitzgerald later writing that members of the audience were "so obviously bored," and some left during the second act. (Bruccoli, Epic Grandeur, p. 219).

"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.