Fitzgerald, F. Scott

Typed questionnaire, titled "The Dunlap Question," filled out and inscribed by Fitzgerald, 1 page (11 x 8 1/2 in; 280 x 215 mm), n.p., n.d. [1930s], about 60 words in Fitzgerald's hand in pencil (plus markings) sprawled over the page, including an inscription at upper left corner by him to Gilbert Seldes: "Dear Gilbert, make the best of this, Scott"; a small marginal tear.

Typed questionnaire, titled "The Dunlap Question," filled out and inscribed by Fitzgerald, 1 page (11 x 8 1/2 in; 280 x 215 mm), n.p., n.d. [1930s], about 60 words in Fitzgerald's hand in pencil (plus markings) sprawled over the page, including an inscription at upper left corner by him to Gilbert Seldes: "Dear Gilbert, make the best of this, Scott"; a small marginal tear.
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.

"Live in Youth. Die at the proper time."  The questionnaire, which has "Mr. Fitzgerald" typed at the top, was presumably sent to him by Seldes. It asks the recipient to "make a quick survey of your whole life ... Then suppose you are compelled to make the following decision, with no alternative: 1. Live through your whole life again, just exactly as before, with no opportunity to better it by your present experience, or 2. Die instantly. Which would you choose? To live again?  To die at once? "  Fitzgerald has answered "Yes" to the question "To live again?" and has added: "Begs the question but I'll try to answer it."  The questionnaire follows up this basic question with seven additional ones, to which Fitzgerald's responses range from a simple check mark or a "Yes" to a full sentence.  To the query,  "Do you think that the more sensitive a person is the more likely he or she is to choose the instant death?",  Fitzgerald answers: "It's a question of vitality, not of experience or logic," and has added upside down (with a connecting line) in the  top margin, "Read  your  'Eclesiastes'  [sic]."

To the question, "Do you think that the wiser or more philosophical a person is the more he would choose to live again? Or to die?", Fitzgerald writes: "Live in youth. Die at the proper time."  Asked to "Name the particular event or factor which most influenced your decision," he answers: "Death of what you loved [continued with a connecting line at the bottom of the page] and whether or not it was irreparable."

A highly unusual and revealing F. Scott Fitzgerald item, not noted in any of the standard references.