In 1925, F. Scott Fitzgerald produced his third novel, a slim work for
which he had high expectations. Despite such hopes, the novel received
mixed reviews and lackluster sales. Over the decades, however, the
reputation of The Great Gatsby has grown and millions of copies have
been sold. One of the bestselling novels of all time, it is also
considered one of the most significant achievements in twentieth-century
fiction. But what makes Gatsby great? Why do we still care about this
book more than eighty-five years after it was published? And how does
Gatsby help us make sense of our own lives and times? In Gatsby: The
Cultural History of the Great American Novel, Bob Batchelor explores the
birth, life, and enduring influence of The Great Gatsby-from the book's
publication in 1925 through today's headlines filled with celebrity
intrigue, corporate greed, and a roller-coaster economy. A cultural
historian, Batchelor explains why and how the novel has become part of
the fiber of the American ethos and an important tool in helping readers
to better comprehend their lives and the broader world around them. A
"biography" of F. Scott Fitzgerald's masterpiece, this book examines The
Great Gatsby's evolution from a nearly-forgotten 1920s time capsule to a
revered cultural touchstone. Batchelor explores how this embodiment of
the American Dream has become an iconic part of our national folklore,
how the central themes and ideas emerging from the book-from the
fulfillment of the American Dream to the role of wealth in
society-resonate with contemporary readers who struggle with similar
uncertainties today. By exploring the timeless elements of reinvention,
romanticism, and relentless pursuit of the unattainable, Batchelor
confirms the novel's status as "The Great American Novel" and, more
importantly, explains to students, scholars, and fans alike what makes
Gatsby so great.
