Some Sort of Epic Grandeur: The Life of F. Scott Fitzgerald

"This consummately skillful portrait is Scott Fitzgerald to the life. In 1920, the publication of This Side of Paradise, his first novel, thrust him upon America's literary horizon. Twenty years later, physically burned out, fearful he and his work were destined for obscurity, lacking funds and prospects, he died at the age of 44 while working on his fifth novel, The Last Tycoon. Along that meteoric arc flamed three other novels--The Beautiful and Damned, The Great Gatsby and Tender is the Night--plus scores of short stories and other writings. His obituaries, in the main, patronizingly praised his efforts and regretted his ultimate failure. They laid Fitzgerald, literally and literarily, to rest. In the test of time, F. Scott Fitzgerald now shines in the select company of the greatest writers of this age. His work, read by millions, has been translated into thirty-five languages. Published biographical and analytical studies total more than fifty. Success beyond even his most vivid imaginings came to his work. In the test of time, F. Scott Fitzgerald now shines in the select company of the greatest writers of this age. His work, read by millions, has been translated into thirty-five languages. Published biographical and analytical studies total more than fifty. Success beyond even his most vivid imaginings came to his work. His real life exceeds the possibilities of fiction. Early triumph led Fitzgerald to a glamorous, ebullient existence. Adversity, personal excesses, fickle fate, and the literary myopia of his generation reduced him to repeated desperation. Raw courage, then death, saved him from tragedy. Time, too late for the man, endowed him with the longed-for epic grandeur. This lucid, compelling account by Matthew Bruccoli culminates a thirty-year study. Impeccably researched, it reveals Fitzgerald's work and world in stunning detail, the man in touching, humane, fresh perception. Its publication provides at last the definitive biography, the standard life."--Dust jacket.