F. Scott Fitzgerald
F. Scott Fitzgerald was an American novelist and short story writer, widely regarded as one of the greatest American writers of the 20th century. He is best known for his novel 'The Great Gatsby,' which explores themes of decadence, idealism, resistance to change, social upheaval, and excess, creating a portrait of the Jazz Age or the Roaring Twenties in the United States.
Books
This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.
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1. The Great Gatsby
Set in the summer of 1922, the novel follows the life of a young and mysterious millionaire, his extravagant lifestyle in Long Island, and his obsessive love for a beautiful former debutante. As the story unfolds, the millionaire's dark secrets and the corrupt reality of the American dream during the Jazz Age are revealed. The narrative is a critique of the hedonistic excess and moral decay of the era, ultimately leading to tragic consequences.
The 3rd Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
2. Tender Is the Night
Set in the French Riviera in the 1920s, the novel traces the tragic tale of a young psychiatrist, his beautiful wife, and the drama that unfolds amongst their circle of wealthy expatriate friends. The psychiatrist's wife suffers from mental illness, which leads to his own downfall as he struggles to keep his marriage intact and maintain his professional reputation. The narrative explores themes of wealth, love, desire, and the destructive power of obsession, painting a haunting portrait of the dark side of the glamorous Jazz Age.
The 168th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
3. The Love Of The Last Tycoon
A Western
This novel, set in the golden age of Hollywood, revolves around the life and career of Monroe Stahr, a successful and enigmatic film producer who dominates the movie industry. As a reflection of the American Dream and the underbelly of Hollywood's glamorous facade, the story delves into Stahr's professional triumphs and personal tragedies, including his relentless pursuit of love following the death of his wife. Through the eyes of Cecelia Brady, the daughter of a studio executive and the narrator, the narrative explores themes of power, ambition, and the illusion of the American success story, all while providing a critical look at the inner workings of the Hollywood studio system.
The 2178th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
4. The Crack-Up
"The Crack-Up" is a collection of essays and letters penned during a critical period of the author's life, reflecting his state of mind during his personal and career crisis in the 1930s. The book includes the author's personal reflections, his observations on contemporary American society, and his views on literature. It provides an intimate look into his struggle with alcoholism, his failing marriage, and his own sense of self-worth, offering a stark contrast to his earlier, more optimistic works.
The 2372nd Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
5. Flappers And Philosophers
"Flappers and Philosophers" is a collection of eight short stories that delve into the lives of young, affluent Americans during the Jazz Age, a term often associated with the 1920s. The stories explore themes of love, loss, and the pursuit of happiness against the backdrop of a rapidly changing society. The characters, including rebellious flappers and contemplative intellectuals, navigate the complexities of modern relationships and the shifting cultural norms of the era. The author's signature style of elegant prose and sharp social commentary weaves through each narrative, offering a poignant look at the contradictions and challenges of the post-World War I generation.
The 3079th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
6. This Side of Paradise
This novel follows the life of Amory Blaine, an attractive and privileged young man who grows up in the early 20th century United States. It explores his experiences in prep school, at Princeton University, and in the real world after graduation, as well as his relationships with a series of young women. The protagonist's life is marked by his pursuit of wealth, status, and love, and his eventual disillusionment with the values of his society. The novel is a critique of the American Dream and a reflection on the lost generation of the 1920s.
The 3859th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
7. The Beautiful and Damned
This novel tells the story of Anthony Patch, a 1920s socialite and presumptive heir to a tycoon's fortune, and his wife Gloria. As they await the inheritance of his grandfather's estate, their reckless marriage deteriorates into a cycle of alcohol, parties, and squabbles, leading to their downfall. The narrative provides an exploration of the themes of greed, status, and the fleeting nature of youth and beauty.
The 3872nd Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
8. The Pat Hobby Stories
This collection of short stories revolves around the character Pat Hobby, a down-and-out screenwriter in Hollywood during the 1930s. Once successful during the silent film era, Hobby struggles to adapt to the changing landscape of the film industry and to find work in the talkies era. The stories humorously and sometimes poignantly depict his various misadventures, schemes, and attempts to regain his lost prestige within the studio system. Through Hobby's experiences, the narrative offers a satirical glimpse into the Hollywood film industry, highlighting the fickleness of fame and the desperation that often accompanies creative endeavors.
The 6821st Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
9. Tales Of The Jazz Age
This collection of short stories encapsulates the exuberance and recklessness of the Jazz Age, offering a vivid tableau of the 1920s America. Through a variety of tales that range from the whimsical to the tragic, the book explores themes of youth, beauty, and the disillusionment that often comes with excess and moral ambiguity. The stories, characterized by their rich prose and complex characters, provide a critical yet nostalgic glimpse into a bygone era, showcasing the author's keen observations of his contemporaries and their pursuits of love, success, and identity amidst the backdrop of a society undergoing rapid change.
The 6821st Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
10. Babylon Revisited And Other Stories
This collection of short stories delves into the lives of various characters grappling with the aftermath of the Jazz Age and the onset of the Great Depression. The narratives explore themes of loss, regret, and the struggle for redemption, often through the eyes of once-wealthy Americans who are now facing the consequences of their former extravagance. The centerpiece story follows a man's poignant attempt to regain custody of his daughter and confront the ghosts of his past in a Paris that no longer glitters with the same promise as it did during the heady days of the Roaring Twenties. Each tale in the anthology offers a glimpse into the complexities of human emotion and the social upheavals of the time, showcasing the author's keen insight into the human condition and his mastery of the short story form.
The 8468th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
11. The Short Stories of F. Scott Fitzgerald
A New Collection
This book is a collection of short stories written by a renowned American author, known for his depictions of the Jazz Age (the 1920s), with all its excess, glamour, and despair. The anthology includes both popular and lesser-known works, providing a comprehensive view of the author's talent and versatility. The stories explore themes such as wealth, ambition, love, and disillusionment, capturing the spirit of an era and the complexities of the human heart. Each narrative is rich in symbolism and offers a profound, often melancholic, insight into the American Dream.
The 14519th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
12. The Diamond As Big As The Ritz, And Other Stories
This collection of stories delves into themes of wealth, ambition, and the American Dream, often highlighting the moral and ethical dilemmas faced by its characters. The titular story follows a young man who discovers a hidden mountain made entirely of diamond, owned by a family that will go to any lengths to protect their secret. The narratives explore the allure and danger of opulence, the fleeting nature of beauty and success, and the complex interplay between reality and illusion, all set against the backdrop of the Jazz Age. Fitzgerald's sharp prose and keen social commentary offer a critical look at the excesses and contradictions of early 20th-century America.
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13. The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button
And Other Jazz Age Stories
The story follows the life of a man who is born with the physical appearance of a 70-year-old and ages in reverse, becoming younger as the years pass. As he navigates the complexities of life, love, and identity, he experiences the world in a unique way, facing challenges and societal perceptions that come with his unusual condition. The narrative explores themes of time, aging, and the human experience, ultimately highlighting the fleeting nature of life and the inevitability of change.
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14. Twentieth Century Views
"Twentieth Century Views" is a collection of critical essays that explore the themes, style, and cultural impact of F. Scott Fitzgerald's work. The essays delve into Fitzgerald's portrayal of the American Dream, his depiction of the Jazz Age, and his exploration of wealth, love, and identity. Through various scholarly perspectives, the collection examines Fitzgerald's narrative techniques and his influence on American literature, offering insights into his enduring legacy and the historical context of his writing.
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15. Sueños De Invierno
Set against the backdrop of the roaring twenties, this poignant tale follows the life of Dexter Green, a young man from a modest background who is driven by ambition and the pursuit of wealth. As he navigates the social elite, Dexter becomes infatuated with the enchanting yet elusive Judy Jones, whose beauty and charm captivate him. Through a series of encounters and disillusionments, the story explores themes of love, desire, and the fleeting nature of dreams, ultimately revealing the hollowness of material success and the bittersweet passage of time.
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16. Novels And Stories 1920–1922
This collection captures the essence of the Jazz Age, exploring themes of love, ambition, and the pursuit of the American Dream. Through a series of short stories and a novel, the characters navigate the complexities of societal expectations and personal desires, often facing the harsh realities of their aspirations. The narratives are imbued with a sense of nostalgia and critique of the era's excesses, offering a poignant reflection on the fleeting nature of youth and success.
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17. May Day
Set against the backdrop of post-World War I America, this narrative explores the intertwining lives of various characters during a tumultuous May Day celebration in New York City. The story delves into themes of class disparity, disillusionment, and the fleeting nature of happiness, as it follows a group of soldiers, socialites, and working-class individuals navigating the chaos of a society in transition. Through a series of interconnected events, the tale captures the stark contrasts between the opulence of the elite and the struggles of the downtrodden, ultimately painting a vivid picture of a nation grappling with the aftermath of war and the pursuit of the American Dream.
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18. The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button And Six Other Stories
This collection of tales delves into the complexities of human nature, exploring themes of time, identity, and the societal expectations that shape our lives. The stories range from the fantastical to the poignant, each offering a unique perspective on life's unpredictable journey. The titular story follows a man who ages in reverse, challenging the conventional understanding of life and mortality, while the other narratives weave through the intricacies of love, ambition, and the pursuit of happiness, all set against the backdrop of the early 20th century's vibrant and often tumultuous landscape.
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19. I'd Die For You And Other Lost Stories
This collection unveils a treasure trove of previously unpublished stories, offering a glimpse into the nuanced world of the Jazz Age and beyond. Each tale captures the essence of a bygone era, exploring themes of ambition, love, and the human condition with a poignant and often bittersweet touch. The narratives, crafted with a masterful blend of wit and melancholy, reveal the author's enduring fascination with the complexities of life and the fleeting nature of success and happiness. Through these lost stories, readers are invited to rediscover the timeless allure and literary brilliance of a celebrated storyteller.
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20. The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button And Other Stories
This collection of stories delves into the complexities of human nature and the passage of time, featuring a range of characters who grapple with the whims of fate and the inevitability of change. The titular story follows a man who ages in reverse, exploring themes of identity, love, and the societal expectations tied to age. Other tales in the collection weave together elements of romance, tragedy, and satire, showcasing the author's keen insight into the human condition and his ability to craft narratives that are both poignant and thought-provoking.
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21. The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button And Other Jazz Age Stories
This collection of short stories delves into the vibrant and tumultuous era of the Jazz Age, capturing the essence of a time marked by rapid social change and cultural dynamism. The stories explore themes of love, ambition, and the fleeting nature of youth, often with a touch of whimsy and irony. The titular tale presents a unique narrative of a man who ages in reverse, offering a poignant reflection on the passage of time and the human condition. Each story in the anthology paints a vivid picture of the Roaring Twenties, with its characters navigating the complexities of identity, societal expectations, and the pursuit of happiness.
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22. Gretchen's Forty Winks
In this whimsical tale, a young woman named Gretchen embarks on a peculiar journey through the dreamscape, where reality and fantasy intertwine. As she navigates a series of surreal and enchanting encounters, Gretchen grapples with the boundaries of her own consciousness, exploring themes of self-discovery and the power of imagination. Her adventures in this dream world challenge her perceptions and ultimately lead her to a deeper understanding of her own desires and aspirations, blurring the lines between the waking world and the realm of dreams.
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23. Winter Dreams
Set against the backdrop of the American Midwest, this poignant tale explores the themes of ambition, love, and the elusive pursuit of happiness. The story follows Dexter Green, a young man from humble beginnings who becomes infatuated with the enchanting and unattainable Judy Jones. As Dexter climbs the social ladder, he becomes consumed by his desire for wealth and status, believing they will bring him closer to Judy. However, as time passes, Dexter is forced to confront the harsh realities of his dreams and the fleeting nature of beauty and success, ultimately leading to a profound sense of disillusionment.
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24. The Sensible Thing
Set in the 1920s, the story follows George O'Kelly, a young man who is deeply in love with Jonquil Cary. Despite their passionate romance, George's lack of financial stability leads to their separation. Determined to win her back, he moves to New York City to pursue a career in engineering, hoping to achieve success and prove his worth. As he climbs the professional ladder, George's dreams of rekindling their relationship are tested by the harsh realities of life and the passage of time, ultimately questioning whether love or practicality should guide one's choices.
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25. O Russet Witch!
Set against the backdrop of the Roaring Twenties, this tale explores the fleeting nature of dreams and desires through the life of Merlin Grainger, a young man working in a bookstore. His mundane existence is disrupted by the enchanting presence of a mysterious woman, who embodies the allure and danger of fantasy. As he becomes increasingly captivated by her, Merlin grapples with the tension between his ordinary life and the intoxicating pull of his imagination, ultimately confronting the bittersweet reality of unfulfilled aspirations.
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26. The Camel's Back
Set in the vibrant backdrop of the Roaring Twenties, this humorous tale follows Perry Parkhurst, a young lawyer who, in a fit of desperation, dons a camel costume to crash a lavish costume ball in an attempt to win back his fiancée, Betty Medill. The story unfolds with a series of comedic misunderstandings and social faux pas, as Perry's antics lead to unexpected revelations and a deeper understanding of love and relationships. Through witty dialogue and vivid character portrayals, the narrative explores themes of identity, societal expectations, and the often absurd lengths one might go to for love.
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27. The Jelly Bean
Set in the vibrant and lively backdrop of the post-World War I American South, the story follows Jim Powell, a seemingly aimless and lackadaisical young man known as a "jelly-bean," a term used to describe someone who drifts through life without ambition. Despite his indolent nature, Jim finds himself drawn to the vivacious and spirited Nancy Lamar, a woman who embodies the excitement and allure of the Jazz Age. As Jim navigates the complexities of love and societal expectations, he is forced to confront his own desires and the harsh realities of his world, ultimately leading to a poignant reflection on identity and self-worth.
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28. El Gran Gastby
A young bond salesman recounts his move to Long Island’s wealthy enclaves and his fascination with a mysterious, wealthy neighbor whose extravagant parties mask an obsessive longing to rekindle a past romance; as relationships, secrets, and rivalries unwind, the glittering façade of the Jazz Age gives way to betrayal and tragedy, exposing the emptiness beneath the American Dream.
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30. The Basil And Josephine Stories
A linked set of stories follows two young protagonists as they grow up in privileged 1920s social circles, charting their romantic misadventures, moments of self-deception, and gradual encounters with disappointment; through episodes of flirtation, social aspiration, and moral testing, the narratives examine youth, identity, and the tension between idealized dreams and harsher realities.
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31. Taps At Reveille
A collection of late short fiction depicting characters left adrift after the excesses of the Jazz Age, grappling with lost opportunities, failed relationships, and diminished fortunes. The stories blend lyrical, melancholic prose with keen social observation, often feeling autobiographical as they trace nostalgia, regret, and the struggle to adapt to a harsher, post-boom world.
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32. Gatsby Girls
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