Books

New York: Charles Scribner's Sons. Very Good. 1920. First Edition; First Printing. Hardcover. 8vo 8" - 9" tall; 305 pages; 1920 Charles Scribner's Sons. HC 1st edition, 1st printing of Fitzgerald's breakout 1st novel. Soundly bound and clean in original thatch pattern green cloth lettered in gilt at spine and in blind to the front. Gilt at spine generally solid and still bright with mild rubbing to the T in This and the first A in Paradise. Cloth a little crimped and pulled at spine ends. Corners lightly shelf bumped and a little softened. It appears the front free endpage has been glued down to the front pastedown, possibly to reinforce a partial split in the hinge or to obscure prior ownership, unknown. Superficial shelf soiling to the rear board. Solid and attractive copy of the 1st printing, published initially by Scribner's in 3000 copies. VG .

"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.