Gatsby's Jacket

[Pierre Tavlitzki]

The Great Gatsby is a favorite novel of American literature of the twentieth century, and is contemporary of early jazz. Published in 1925, it is reflecting the unease of the author, R. Scott Fitzgerald, in the pursuit of wealth. The complicated story ends with the destruction of the characters and of their hopes. The glory of Fitzgerald was posthumous. Ravaged by alcohol, he died in 1940 aged 44 years.

The jacket of the original edition of Gatsby is a symbol of the revolt of his generation, or rather of the desire to live a life different from that of parents. Inspired by the Art Deco style, designed by Francis Cugat (of whom no other important work is known), it shows a young woman of whom we see only the eyes, mouth and a green tear. The iris of the eyes are home to a naked woman. The lower part of the drawing represents an illuminated amusement park.

Bonhams sell two copies of the original issue on June 10 in New York. The press release clearly indicates that the jacket drives the price. The copy that has kept it is estimated $ 80 K, and the copy without jacket looks for $ 1,500.

[Pierre Tavlitzki]

This lot was greeted triumphantly: $ 150 K before fees.

This is the price of a bibliophile enthusiasm and not of speculation, because who can predict if a similar object in a better condition will not come tomorrow out of an anonymous library? On the photo, traces of wear were visible at the upper corners of the jacket.

The copy without jacket was sold out $ 3,000 before fees.