The Beautiful and Damned

Description

Anthony Patch, born into opulence as the grandson of a wealthy magnate, idles away his youth, anticipating the forthcoming inheritance of his grandfather's fortune. However, when he encounters Gloria, a lively and spirited flapper, an undeniable attraction sparks between them, prompting a swift marriage despite their conflicting personalities. Immersing themselves in the vibrant lifestyle of the Jazz Age, the couple indulges in unrestrained revelry, extravagant spending, and the epitome of high living. However, Anthony's prohibitionist grandfather discovers their hedonistic pursuits and disowns him, plummeting their once-privileged existence into intolerable indignity. Both Anthony and Gloria grapple with the dilemma of finding purpose when wealth and inheritance eliminate the need for conventional ambitions. Anthony, anticipating a sizable inheritance, stifles his ambition, neglecting a career or societal contribution. Gloria, having achieved her primary goal of securing a husband, is left with a void filled only by spending money and reveling in the era's extravagant parties. Despite their discord, they remain entwined in their self-absorption, lack of ambition, and nostalgia, leading Anthony into alcoholism and Gloria into the struggles of middle age. Fitzgerald's portrayal of Anthony and Gloria echoes his own experiences with his wife Zelda. Their tempestuous relationship mirrors the highs and lows depicted in the novel. Fitzgerald, born into wealth, meandered through an aimless youth before military service and writing provided direction. In later years, he grappled with his perceived mediocrity and succumbed to alcoholism. Zelda, the archetypal flapper, contributed to their tumultuous lifestyle, and her erratic behavior eventually led to her institutionalization for schizophrenia.

This book has 125,484 words, 236 pages in the PDF version, and was originally published in 1922.

Production notes: This ebook of The Beautiful and Damned was published by Global Grey in 2018, and updated on the 16th January 2024. The artwork used for the cover is '1920s Couple' - AI generated image.