F. Scott
Fitzgerald

Francis Scott Key Fitzgerald, born in 1896, crystallized the essence of the Jazz Age through his literary masterpieces. His journey began in Saint Paul, Minnesota, and unfolded into a tumultuous saga of fame, struggle, and artistic brilliance. Fitzgerald's early success with "This Side of Paradise" catapulted him into the limelight, solidifying his place within the cultural elite of the roaring twenties. His marriage to Zelda Sayre, marked by both passion and turmoil, significantly influenced his writing, reflecting the era's extravagance and its underlying despair. Despite their glamorous life, Fitzgerald's works like "The Great Gatsby" and "Tender Is the Night" delve deep into themes of love, ambition, and the elusive American Dream, showcasing his keen observation of the societal divides and personal aspirations of his time.

Fitzgerald's later years were overshadowed by personal difficulties, including Zelda's mental health issues and his own battle with alcoholism, which ultimately hindered his literary productivity. Relocating to Hollywood, he attempted to revive his career as a screenwriter, a venture that met with limited success. His death in 1940, at the age of 44, was a profound loss to the literary world. Yet, Fitzgerald's legacy endures, his works gaining greater appreciation posthumously. Today, he is celebrated as one of the greatest American writers, whose novels and short stories capture the vibrancy and volatility of an era, offering insightful critiques on wealth, class, and the human condition.