Fitzgerald, F. Scott

Tender is the Night. A Romance. New York: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1934



12mo (7 ½ x 5 ¼ ins; 190 x 130 mm). Trifle spotted. Publisher's green cloth, spine gilt-lettered; spine faded, upper cover rubbed, corners very slightly worn; Green chemise and slipcase.

Purchased 1966 by Frances Scott ("Scottie") Fitzgerald from House of El Dieff, catalog 66, item 288

Bruccoli A.15.I.a; Connolly 79

12mo (7 ½ x 5 ¼ ins; 190 x 130 mm). Publisher's green cloth with gilt spine title; trifle spotted; spine gilt faded, upper cover rubbed, corners very slightly worn; in green chemise and slipcase.
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, presentation copy. doubly inscribed on both the title (Fitzgerald has written "About Nell Brooks" after the printed "A Romance" and then scored through his printed name and autographed it) and across the front free endpaper and fly leaf.

A lengthy inscription of playful innuendo from Fitzgerald,  "Marlene," and 'Greta" to a Mystery Recipient.

"For Nell / As we lie [crossed through] sit here / on the old bed [crossed through] swing / we often think of you. / Miss Garbo realizes / that you have had no / past and feels no real / jealousy when I speak / of our "platonic" friendship / (You remember our encounter / in the family wastebasket?) / But all is over between / us Nell [crossed through] Mary [crossed through] hell, and [over] Greta feels the same / way I do – we wish / you the best of / happiness (and Marlene / joins us), even if / you weren't able / to make/ F. Scott Fitzgerald"

The identity of the enticing Mary "Nell" Brooks is at present a mystery. She appears in none of the many biographical or usual marketplace indices for Fitzgerald. The present copy was offered in the House of El Dieff' catalogue 66 in 1966 as item 288. One could hardly hope to find a better example of an exuberant Fitzgerald presentation on one of his key titles.