Tales of the Jazz Age

Fitzgerald's second collection of short stories, Tales of the Jazz Age (1922), showcases his talent as a writer of short fiction. The collection contains some of his best works, such as "May Day" and "The Diamond as Big as the Ritz," which capture the spirit of the 1920s. Fitzgerald's versatility as a writer is evident in the different forms he adopts, including parody, fantasy, and one-act play. The stories were chosen when he was just twenty-five years old and reflect his strengths as a playwright, farcical satirist, melodramatist, and fantastical novella-writer. The collection was a sensation when it was published and remains so today.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 14 September 2023
Publisher: Oxford University Press

Fitzgerald's Tales of the Jazz Age (1922) is a remarkable collection of short stories that showcase his exceptional talent as a writer of short fiction. Often overshadowed by his major novels, these stories demonstrate the same originality and inventive range that characterized his major works. In May Day and The Diamond as Big as the Ritz, Fitzgerald captures the spirit of the hedonistic 1920s with wry and astute observation. He employs a variety of forms, including parody, a one-act play, and fantasy, with unparalleled versatility.

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, a tale of a man living his life backwards, is among the fantastical stories in Fitzgerald's self-deprecatory Table of Contents. The collection also includes groupings such as "My Last Flappers" and "Unclassified Masterpieces." Fitzgerald selected these stories when he was just twenty-five years old, at the height of his wild literary success.

Tales of the Jazz Age is a quirky, electrifying selection that reaches back into his college days, showcasing Fitzgerald's strengths as a playwright, farcical satirist, melodramatist, and fantastical novella-writer. He ventured into all these directions with equal ease and flash in 1922. The book was a sensation then, and it remains so today.

The Oxford World's Classics series has been publishing the widest range of literature from around the globe for over 100 years. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford's commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text along with a wealth of valuable features, including expert introductions, notes, and bibliographies.

In conclusion, Fitzgerald's Tales of the Jazz Age is a must-read for anyone interested in the literature of the 1920s. It is a testament to his exceptional talent as a writer and his ability to capture the spirit of a bygone era with wit, insight, and imagination. The Oxford World's Classics edition is an excellent choice for those who want to experience this timeless masterpiece in its original form.

Weight: 218g
Dimension: 129 x 197 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780198856085
Edition number: 2 Revised edition