Fitzgerald, F. Scott

The Vegetable or from President to Postman. New York: Scribner's, 1923

In 8s (7 3/8 x 5 1/8 in.; 188 x 131 mm). Original dark green cloth, spine gilt-lettered, front cover blind-lettered; spine a bit darkened.

Irma L. Harris (bookplate)

Bruccoli A10.I.a

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.

First edition. Inscribed by Fitzgerald to Ernest Truex, who played the leading role in the play, on opening day: "Ernest Truex, 'The best postman in the world' / F. Scott Fitzgerald / Atlantic City / Nov 19th 1923." The quotation is a line from the ending of the play referring to Truex's role, Jerry the postman. Fitzgerald's early interest in the theatre, from his St. Paul schooldays through his Triangle Club shows at Princeton, led to The Vegetable, his only professional play. Fitzgerald expected that it would be a great financial success. Scribner's published the play in book form in April 1923. "It was widely reviewed but regarded as a minor effort, and there was only one printing" (Tate, F. Scott Fitzgerald A to Z, p. 265). A producer was found and the play began an Atlantic City one-week tryout on 19 November. But opening night was disastrous and The Vegetable never made it out of Atlantic City. After this dismal flop, which left him in debt, Fitzgerald never seriously contemplated another play. For another, similarly inscribed copy, see our catalogue of the Maurice F. Neville Collection of Modern Literature, 13 April 2004, lot 59.