Great Gatsby Interview

 The Great Gatsby went into public domain last year. Now the Library of America just published a definitive edition. That edition's editor is interviewed here. And an excerpt:

LOA: You have spent a lifetime editing and writing about Fitzgerald’s works. What impressed you going through his work again as you prepared the texts for this Library of America edition?

West: I’ll mention two things. First, I was impressed by Fitzgerald’s discipline in conceiving, composing, and finishing The Great Gatsby. The period of its composition was his finest hour. He refused to be distracted. He brought together the magic elements of talent, inspiration, and luck to create a masterpiece. Second, I was struck anew by the beauty of the language in the novel. Fitzgerald had a pitch-perfect ear. Some of those passages—Daisy and Jordan floating on the sofa, Nick woozy with drink in Myrtle’s apartment, Gatsby smiling down on his guests—these are unforgettable.

I re-read the novel in prison. I had read it originally as a high school senior. Fitzgerald's talents were wasted on my 17 year old self. If you have not read it, please do so. It is a bit oF American greatness.

sch 3/30/22