Fitzgerald, F. Scott

This Side of Paradise. New York: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1920

8vo. Publisher's dark blue-green cloth, stamped in blind and gilt; fresh and bright. Original and unrestored dust-jacket by W.E. Hill, with only the most minor rubbing to front panel and without creasing or fading, two minute chips only, one at top of upper spine fold, the other at lower right corner of front panel, a near fine and crisp example. In a morocco gilt slipcase.

Bruccoli A5.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 of the author’s first novel in unusually fine condition, and truly uncommon to be found so. Fitzgerald’s first portrait of the Jazz Age’s Lost Generation featured the themes that the author would return to and perfect: that of doomed romance among differing classes and love lost among the endless pursuit of upward social status. Still at Princeton when he sent the manuscript (then titled The Romantic Egoist) to Charles Scribner, it was published in 3,000 copies on 26 March, 1920 and its immediate success launched Fitzgerald’s career. By the end of the next year the novel had been reprinted 12 times and sold nearly 50,000 copies.

Even examples of the jacket with heavy restoration appear only infrequently at auction. The present copy is distinctly scarce in this condition.