Books

The "Author's Apology" edition, signed by the author; first edition, third printing, prepared for distribution to American Booksellers Association, with a tipped-in leaf entitled "Author's Apology" signed by Fitzgerald, "Sincerely, Scott Fitzgerald". Issued the same month as the first, the third printing included an unknown number of copies prepared with this tipped-in page printed on glossy paper and signed by Fitzgerald; Bruccoli notes there were "probably 500 copies" treated in this way. Prepared for a convention of the American Booksellers Association, the printed apology reads in part: "My whole theory of writing I can sum up in one sentence: An author ought to write for the youth of his own generation, the critics of the next, and the schoolmasters of ever afterward… So, gentlemen, consider all the cocktails mentioned in this book drunk by me as a toast to the American Booksellers Association." Octavo. Original green cloth, titles gilt to spine and blind to front board. Housed in a green quarter morocco solander box by the Chelsea Bindery. A fresh copy, slight dulling to spine titles, faint mark to front board but otherwise very clean, sound within with mild toning to leaves as usual; near-fine. Bruccoli A5.1.c.

"This Side of Paradise" by F. Scott Fitzgerald is a seminal novel published in 1920 that vividly portrays the life of Amory Blaine. The narrative traces Amory's journey from his upbringing in a privileged family through his formative years and into young adulthood. The story begins with Amory as an imaginative and ambitious young boy, raised by his mother Beatrice, who instills in him a sense of superiority and a belief in his exceptionalism. He attends prestigious schools where he excels academically and indulges in literary pursuits. Throughout his education, he forms friendships, falls in love, and experiences the challenges of social interactions, all while grappling with his evolving identity. As Amory grows older, he becomes increasingly aware of societal changes and the aftermath of World War I. These external shifts influence his internal world, leading him to question his beliefs, values, and ambitions. His romantic relationships, notably with Rosalind Connage and others, serve as mirrors reflecting his desires and insecurities. The novel is a tapestry of Amory's experiences, his intellectual musings, and his encounters with diverse characters that shape his perceptions. Fitzgerald skillfully weaves themes of love, idealism, disillusionment, and the pursuit of the American Dream throughout the narrative. Amory's quest for self-discovery and meaning is emblematic of the era's youth seeking purpose and identity amid a changing social landscape. The book's title, derived from a Rupert Brooke poem, encapsulates the notion of seeking paradise within oneself and the struggles faced in this pursuit. Through Amory's introspection and encounters with various societal constructs, Fitzgerald critiques the ideals of success, love, and the pursuit of happiness prevalent in early 20th-century America. "This Side of Paradise" marks Fitzgerald's debut novel and foreshadows themes and styles that he further explores in later works like "The Great Gatsby." It is a poignant reflection of the Jazz Age, capturing the aspirations, disillusionments, and complexities of a generation seeking authenticity in a rapidly changing world.