Books

New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1920. Full Description: FITZGERALD, F. Scott. This Side of Paradise. New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1920. First edition, first printing. Only 3,000 copies printed (compared to just under 21,000 copies of The Great Gatsby) of which only a handful survive in the original dust jacket. Copyright page states "Published April, 1920" with the Scribner's Seal and no statements of reprinting. Octavo (7 1/2 x 5 1/8 inches; 193 x 132 mm). [8], 305, [7, blank] pp. This copy has a previous owner's inscription on the front free endpaper which is dated April 11, 1920 and reads "To Dear Old 1786, From Cuzzled." This book was published on March 26th, 1920, so this had to have been one of the earliest printed copies. Original dark bluish green linen-like grain cloth lettered in blind on front cover and ruled and lettered in gilt on spine. Top edge dyed brown, others uncut. Some very minor shelfwear to the head and tail of the spine and corners. Inner…

"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.