F. Scott's Birthday September 24th

Today is the birthday of F. Scott Fitzgerald, born September 24, 1896. Fitzgerald (1896-1940) is the author of the great classic novel The Great Gatsby, as well as several other novels and stories that portray the lifestyle of the Jazz Age of the 1920's in the United States. In fact, the phrase jazz age was coined by Fitzgerald to capture the excitement and glamor of the time. The Great Gatsby was published in 1925, and was not a popular success in its day or for the remainder of Fitzgerald's life. It has been highly praised by critics over the years and today is considered one of the greatest American novels.

     Fitzgerald was born on Cathedral Hill in St. Paul, Minnesota, home of EMC Publishing, so he is special to the local area. There is a life-size bronze statue of Fitzgerald in Rice Park in downtown St. Paul. Sculptor Michael Price created this sculpture, representing F. Scott in his early thirties, to honor the renowned local author on the centennial of his birthday.You can even take a walking tour of the St. Paul neighborhood where F. Scott lived when he was in Minnesota. For more information about Fitzgerald's life and works, visit The F. Scott Fitzgerald Society website.
     A chapter from The Great Gatsby is included in the grade 11 Mirrors & Windows: Connecting with Literature student textbook.