Books

First edition, first printing; one of 19 copies specially signed by the author for the department store Hochschild Kohn's of Baltimore, identified by their ticket on the rear pastedown. Fitzgerald was critically neglected at the time of publication and in low demand for book signings. As such, he rarely found opportunities to simply autograph copies, more often inscribing them to close acquaintances. After learning Fitzgerald was in Baltimore, Hochschild Kohn's dispatched an employee with 25 copies of Tender is the Night which Fitzgerald agreed to sign. The bookshop assistant returned with just 19 copies, among them this one. Fitzgerald had apparently retained six copies for his troubles, likely reserving them for presentation inscriptions; they would therefore not have included Hochschild Kohn's ticket. Fitzgerald lived in Baltimore from 1932 to 1937, initially to seek psychiatric treatment for Zelda. Tender is the Night mirrors the Fitzgeralds' own struggles with alcohol and mental illness, which snowballed as Fitzgerald worked on this, his last completed novel. It was serialized by Scribner's Magazine between January and April 1934 prior to publication in book form. Fitzgerald was so distressed by the critical antagonism from most quarters that he relented by publishing later editions with the narrative rearranged chronologically. Only years after his death, in the wake of his great posthumous reputation, was the text restored. Octavo. Original green cloth, spine lettered in gilt, front cover ruled in blind, fore edge untrimmed. Line drawings by Edward Shenton. Stamps of Pikesville Gift and Dress Shop, Baltimore, on front pastedown; ownership inscriptions of Vera Cameron Henderson (née Randolph, 1893-1981) of Gibson Island, wife of Maryland Supreme Court Chief Judge William L. Henderson (1894-1984), on front endpapers; unused postcard depicting Gibson Island loosely inserted. Variegated discoloration to cloth, ends and corners slightly worn, occasional foxing. A good copy with an interesting literary history. Bruccoli A15.I.a.

"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.