- 98
Fitzgerald, F. Scott.
Estimate
5,000 - 8,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- Tender is the Night. A Romance. New York: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1934
8vo, first edition, presentation copy inscribed by the author ("For Isacc [sic] Pells | M.D. | With best | wishes of | F. Scott Fitzgerald"), decorations by Edward Shenton, original green cloth, spine lettered in gilt, some slight browning, slight discoloration to the cloth
an inscribed presentation copy of perhaps the author's most profound novel.
The inscription, to the author's physician, probably dates from the late 1930s or even 1940, the year Fitzgerald died. The hand, as is often the case with later Fitzgerald inscriptions, is slightly shaky, reflecting his increasing alcoholism as his books went out of print and he came to feel that -- in marked contrast to his contemporary John Steinbeck -- he had been forgotten as a writer.
an inscribed presentation copy of perhaps the author's most profound novel.
The inscription, to the author's physician, probably dates from the late 1930s or even 1940, the year Fitzgerald died. The hand, as is often the case with later Fitzgerald inscriptions, is slightly shaky, reflecting his increasing alcoholism as his books went out of print and he came to feel that -- in marked contrast to his contemporary John Steinbeck -- he had been forgotten as a writer.
Literature
Bruccoli A14.I.a; Connolly The Modern Movement 79
Condition
Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, when appropriate.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
Catalogue Note
Tender is the Night, the story of the rise and fall of the young American expatriate psycho-analyst Dick Diver and his wife Nicole (also one of his patients), was first published in Scribner's Magazine between January and April 1934, in four issues.
"The break-down of a marriage in which the doctor-husband, having fulfilled his healing role, makes it inevitable that his wife should leave him, is described with flashes of genius by an expert in self-destruction..." (Cyril Connolly, The Modern Movement)