The Almost Not Great Gatsby

In 1940, the year of Fitzgerald’s death, there were only 7 copies of The Great Gatsby sold. Fitzgerald complained to both Zelda and Max Perkins that he was a forgotten man and that clearly there was no demand for his book. He was crushed, and died thinking Gatsby was a failure. Then, a year later 155,000 copies were printed…. What happened? 

We dive in into the strange afterlife of The Great Gatsby, trace Fitzgerald’s feelings about his masterpiece through inscribed copies, and compare it to the fates of other books – Their Eyes Were Watching God and The Fortnight in September – published around the same time. 

Is a classic destined to be a classic or does it need a healthy dose of luck? As always, email us and let us know what you think at [e-mail]

Enjoy the episode!

What is Rare Book Chat?

Dive deep into the fascinating world of rare books with Rare Book Chat. Hosted by Michael DiRuggiero and Jeremy O'Connor, the co-founders of The Manhattan Rare Book Company, this podcast explores the unique and often valuable items that fill the world of rare books, manuscripts, letters, photographs, archives, and more.

From historical documents to literary first editions, we'll discuss the stories behind these one-of-a-kind treasures. Join us as we explore the intricacies of the rare book trade and discover the hidden gems that await.