Fitzgerald, F. Scott

1 page (11 1/8 x 8 1/4 in.; 283 x 210mm), Great Neck, NY, ca. 1922–24; lightly browned, mat burn not affecting text, horizontal folds, 4 very small pieces of cloth tape (used for hinging paper to matting) on verso. 

Condition as described in catalogue entry.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Fitzgerald offers advice to a very young protégé.  In the early 1920's, Fitzgerald began to correspond with Horace Wade, a Chicago boy who published his first novel, In the Shadow of Great Peril, at the age of eleven.  In addition to offering Horace advice, he also wrote to Horace's father and submitted the boy's manuscripts to publishers.

"I am overcome by your shower of fishing similes.  This is not a healthy sign—you cannot model an English prose style on the advertisements for Velvet Joe smoking tobacco.  Leave Chicago and fly to Oxford immediately if you want to save your literary soul."