Wedding day presentation copy, 3 April 1920

FITZGERALD, F. Scott (1896-1940). This Side of Paradise. New York: Scribner's, 1920.

The first edition of Fitzgerald's first book, inscribed on his wedding day to Zelda's sister. "From the w.k. [well-known] author / Thy brother-in-law / F. Scott Fitzgerald / New York City April 3d 1920 (Emeralds!)" Only after Scribner's accepted the manuscript for This Side of Paradise did Zelda famously finally agree to marry Scott. The novel was published on 26 March 1920 and sold out within days, bringing fame to the 24-year old author almost overnight with its portrayal of Jazz-age excess. Scott and Zelda wed on 3 April at St Patrick's Cathedral. Emeralds would play a role in his next book, The Beautiful and the Damned – the character Gloria is described as having "always wanted an emerald wedding ring." This copy bears Rosalind and Newman Smith's ownership inscription to the front endpaper, dated March 1920, the implication being that this is a very early copy that the couple brought with them to the wedding. Bruccoli A5.1a.

Octavo (130 x 192mm). Publisher's blue-green cloth (rubbed, corners and top edge worn, spine ends renewed, hinges repaired, inscription leaf with light edge-chipping partially repaired); clamshell box. Provenance: Rosalind and Newman Smith (ownership and presentation inscriptions).

From time to time, Christie's may offer a lot which it owns in whole or in part. This is such a lot.