The Great Gatsby: An Edition of the Manuscript

This edition presents F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby, the earliest full version of the novel that survives, allowing critics, teachers, and students to study it as a fluid text evolving and progressing toward its final form.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 15 December 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald's seminal work, is presented in its earliest full version, preserved in this edition. Through a meticulous study of this manuscript, scholars gain invaluable insights into the novel's composition, characters, themes, and linguistic revisions. Fitzgerald's dedication and craftsmanship are evident in the numerous drafts and meticulous editing he undertook until just weeks before publication. The period of its creation was a fusion of Fitzgerald's exceptional talent, inspiration, and self-discipline, resulting in a literary masterpiece.

An introduction by James L. W. West, III, the series' general editor, provides a comprehensive account of the novel's compositional history. Don C. Skemer, Curator of Manuscripts at Princeton University Library, offers a detailed description of the manuscript, detailing its preservation, acquisition, and restoration. The reading text is presented without any emendations or excessive editorial apparatus, allowing readers to experience The Great Gatsby as a fluid text, evolving and progressing toward its final form from its very inception.

This edition serves as a valuable resource for critics, teachers, and students alike, enabling them to delve deeper into the rich tapestry of The Great Gatsby and appreciate its profound impact on literature. It is a testament to Fitzgerald's enduring legacy and his ability to create a timeless masterpiece that continues to captivate readers across generations.

Weight: 330g
Dimension: 138 x 217 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108445559