Lot 95
Fitzgerald, F. Scott (1896-1940) American writer; the premier novelist of the Jazz Age. Autograph Letter Signed "Scott" 1p, written in pencil, 9½"x8", n.p. (1936). Good; scattered toning and foxing, uneven lower edge. To "Dear Harold," most likely Fitzgerald's longtime literary agent, Harold Ober. "Outside the House" is penciled at upper right corner. The date of receipt is stamped "MAR 12 1936." The letter reads: "Here's the revision [not present] covering all your points & some others. It's much better. It'll have to be retyped. Scott."
The work being revised was almost certainly Fitgerald's autobiographical essay, "The Crack Up," which was published by Esquire in three parts that year. The other two parts were titled "Pasting It Together" and "Handle With Care." The key theme in this series is emotional bankruptcy--using up one's capacity for emotion and having nothing left to offer. There was strong negative reaction to Fitzgerald's brutal honesty; even friends such as Ernest Hemingway and John Dos Passos were dismayed by his confessions. The essays did revive interest in Fitzgerald's work, however, and remain a compelling psychological portrait.
Estimated Value $4,500 - 6,000.
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| Realized $4,830 |
