Will There Ever Be Another "Great Gatsby"?
Briefly

F. Scott Fitzgerald, in his later years, struggled with the perceived failure of his iconic novel The Great Gatsby, fearing it would only be forgotten. Initially modestly received, the book's resurgence includes numerous adaptations and a major centennial celebration in 2025. A new Library of America annotated edition highlights this revival with additional commentary and uncovered letters between Fitzgerald and his editor, reflecting a newfound appreciation of Gatsby's literary merit and impact that Fitzgerald could scarcely have imagined during his life.
Fitzgerald expressed deep doubt about the future of The Great Gatsby in a letter to his editor, feeling it might never be appreciated after its initial failure.
Since Fitzgerald's death, The Great Gatsby has become a staple in American literature, inspiring myriad adaptations, proving his initial pessimism wrong.
With the novel's 100th anniversary, a new annotated edition includes commentary and letters that highlight Fitzgerald's complex relationship with his most famous work.
Today, Gatsby's place in American culture is secured, a far cry from Fitzgerald's worries, demonstrating how literary significance can evolve over time.
Read at The Nation
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