F. Scott Fitzgerald

Fitzgerald, F. Scott

Tender Is the Night. New York: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1934

8vo. Half-title, vignettes by Edward Shenton. Publisher's green cloth; some wear, spine with split at upper joint, bumped at corners with some exposure text block a little shaken, split to rear hinge.

First edition, third printing, signed and with a cryptic inscription by Fitzgerald on the dedication leaf, "For you 'Marg Mortimer' or 'Edna Carlyle' or whatever you call yourself now—Seriously, For Hope from F. Scott Fitzgerald."

Fitzgerald uses alcohol as a symbol of debauchery and excess, mirroring the disillusionment and decline of his characters. While drinking often signifies personal struggles or emotional detachment, there are also moments of celebration, where it becomes intertwined with the glamorous, carefree lifestyle of those on the Riviera, uniting them through shared social rituals.

"The cocktails were like fire. They burned through the drinkers, quick and hot, making them laugh and forget themselves, until the party took on a life of its own” (Chapter 3).

REFERENCES:

Bruccoli A.15.I.c 

PROVENANCE:

"Marg Mortimer", "Edna Carlyle" or "Hope" (presentation copy)