Books

Charles Scribner's Sons. Good with no dust jacket. 1920. First Edition. Hardcover. First edition, first printing (April 1920 publishing date and no subsequent lines). Binding a little weak, with webbing showing at front hinge, and some separation elsewhere. Pages unmarked, uncreased and unstained, but slightly tanned. Small tears at the bottom of pp. 193-196 (bad cutting, probably). Dark cloth cover has some wear to corners and spine tips. Spine title clean. No dustjacket. .

"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.

Identify a true first edition by looking for the publisher's name 'Charles Scribner's Sons' with no mention of later printings on the copyright page, and the presence of dark green cloth boards without a top edge stain.