Bright Star, Green Light: The Beautiful and Damned Lives of John Keats and F. Scott Fitzgerald

In this biography, Jonathan Bate recreates the two shining, tragic lives of John Keats and F. Scott Fitzgerald in parallel, showing how Fitzgerald was influenced by Keats and how the two lived with echoing fates. It is a luminous and vital portrayal of two of the greatest and most well-known Romantic writers of their time.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 432 pages
Publication date: 03 February 2022
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

A Dazzling Biography of Two Interwoven, Tragic Lives: John Keats and F. Scott Fitzgerald

In the annals of literary history, the names of John Keats and F. Scott Fitzgerald stand as two intertwined, tragic figures whose lives left an indelible mark on the world of literature. While their paths diverged, their stories are intricately woven, resonating with readers for generations. John Keats, a poet of immense talent and poetic prowess, tragically succumbed to tuberculosis at the tender age of 25 in February 1821. His poetic works, such as "Ode to a Nightingale" and "Endymion," continue to captivate audiences with their exquisite beauty and profound emotional depth. On the other hand, F. Scott Fitzgerald, a novelist of unparalleled brilliance, defined a decade that began one hundred years ago, the Jazz Age. His novels, such as "The Great Gatsby" and "This Side of Paradise," captured the essence of the Roaring Twenties, a time of immense social change, excess, and artistic experimentation.

In this captivating biography, Jonathan Bate, a prize-winning author, takes readers on a journey to explore the lives of these two remarkable writers. Bate meticulously recreates these two shining, tragic lives in parallel, revealing the profound influence that Keats had on Fitzgerald's artistic journey. Fitzgerald, in turn, drew inspiration from Keats's poetic lines, titling his novel "Tender is the Night" and incorporating numerous poetic themes into his works. The two writers shared more than just artistic similarities; they lived with echoing fates. Both died young, loved to drink, were plagued by tuberculosis, were haunted by their first love, and wrote into a new decade of release, experimentation, and decadence.

Through the lens of this biography, readers are transported back to the Romantic era, where John Keats and F. Scott Fitzgerald emerged as two of the greatest and most well-known Romantic writers of their time. Bate's writing is luminous and vital, offering a fresh perspective on these iconic figures. He delves into their personal lives, their artistic struggles, and the societal context that shaped their creative output. The book explores the complex relationships between the two writers, their mutual admiration, and the ways in which their lives intersected. It sheds light on the struggles they faced, both personal and professional, and the resilience and determination that propelled them forward.

In conclusion, "A Dazzling Biography of Two Interwoven, Tragic Lives: John Keats and F. Scott Fitzgerald" is a must-read for anyone who appreciates the power of literature to capture the essence of human experience. Jonathan Bate's masterful storytelling and insightful analysis bring these two remarkable writers to life, offering a deeper understanding of their lives, their art, and their enduring legacy. This book is a testament to the enduring power of great literature and the timeless relevance of the human condition.

Weight: 380g
Dimension: 129 x 199 x 35 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780008425005