Set in London in 1594, ‘Tarquin of Cheapside’ is a cross between a whodunnit and a whodunwhat. We find Wessel Caxter reading ‘The Faerie Queen,’ before his evening is interrupted by a mysterious figure, known only as Soft Shoes. Soft Shoes is being pursued by Flowing Boots, but who they are and what their quarrel is, is only revealed after Soft Shoes completes a poem. Packed with literary flourishes and sharp wit, this offers a fascinating insight into the mind of a master at the start of his career. ‘Tarquin of Cheapside’ is perfect for fans of Debbie Young. F. Scott Fitzgerald (1896-1940) is one of the greatest American novelists of the 20th century and the author of the classics ‘Tender is the Night’ and ‘The Great Gatsby’, with the latter having been made into a film starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Carey Mulligan. Skillfully capturing the prosperity of post-World War One America, his writing helped illustrate the 1920s Jazz Age that he and his wife Zelda Fitzgerald were at the centre of.

This short story was first published in the "Smart Set" in 1921, although it had been written 5 years previous. It was first published in book form in Tales of the Jazz Age in 1922. "Written almost six years ago, this story is a product of undergraduate days at Princeton. Considerably revised, it was published in the "Smart Set" in 1921. At the time of its conception I had but one idea-to be a poet-and the fact that I was interested in the ring of every phrase, that I dreaded the obvious in prose if not in plot, shows throughout. Probably the peculiar affection I feel for it depends more upon its age than upon any intrinsic merit."

Evoking the Jazz-Age world that would later appear in his masterpiece, The Great Gatsby, this essential Fitzgerald collection contains some of the writer’s most famous and celebrated stories. In “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button,” an extraordinary child is born an old man, growing younger as the world ages around him. “The Diamond as Big as the Ritz,” a fable of excess and greed, shows two boarding school classmates mired in deception as they make their fortune in gemstones. And in the classic novella “May Day,” debutantes dance the night away as war veterans and socialists clash in the streets of New York. Opening the book is a playful and irreverent set of notes from the author, documenting the real-life pressures and experiences that shaped these stories, from his years at Princeton to his cravings for luxury to the May Day Riots of 1919. Taken as a whole, this collection brings to vivid life the dazzling excesses, stunning contrasts, and simmering unrest of a glittering era. Its 1922 publication furthered Fitzgerald's reputation as a master storyteller, and its legacy staked his place as the spokesman of an age.

From murder mysteries and pirate attacks to fantasies and sci-fi, this collection of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s short stories highlights the skilled versatility of the great American writer. The tales featured in this short story collection were first published between 1909 and 1926, and include a seminal piece written by F. Scott Fitzgerald when he was just 13. ‘The Mystery of Raymond Mortgage’ (1909) was lost for 50 years and the early murder mystery demonstrates the influence popular writers of the time, such as Edgar Allan Poe, had on young Fitzgerald. Also featured in this collection of fantasy and horror tales are some of Fitzgerald’s most popular short stories, including ‘The Curious Case of Benjamin Button’ (1922). The haunting piece follows the protagonist from birth until death, but one thing makes Benjamin different: he’s ageing backwards. A biting social commentary, the famous story highlights Fitzgerald’s masterful writing ability. This volume features the following short stories: - ‘The Mystery of Raymond Mortage’ - ‘The Ordeal’ - ‘Tarquin of Cheapside’ - ‘The Offshore Pirate’ - ‘“O Russet Witch!”’ - ‘The Curious Case of Benjamin Button’ - ‘The Adjuster’ - ‘Rags Martin-Jones and the Pr-nce of W-les’ - ‘The Dance’ Read & Co.’s Fantasy & Horror Classics imprint has republished these short stories in a brand new collection, featuring a specially-commissioned biography of F. Scott Fitzgerald alongside an introductory essay on the Lost Generation writers. This volume would make the perfect gift for fans of The Great Gatsby (1925) and Jazz Age literature.

The Collected Works of F. Scott Fitzgerald is a treasure trove of 45 short stories and novels that showcase the author's impeccable writing style and vivid imagery. Fitzgeralds works capture the essence of the Jazz Age, depicting the glittering yet tumultuous world of the Roaring Twenties in America. His prose is elegant and captivating, with poignant reflections on love, wealth, and the pursuit of the American Dream. Each story and novel in this collection offers a unique glimpse into the lives of complex characters navigating the complexities of society and personal desires. Fitzgerald's ability to craft compelling narratives filled with rich symbolism and emotional depth is truly remarkable. As one delves into his works, they are transported to a bygone era filled with glamour, tragedy, and timeless themes. Fans of classic American literature and those interested in exploring the cultural landscape of the early 20th century will find this collection to be a literary masterpiece worth savoring.

These tales offer insights into many themes, characters, and techniques that emerged in Fitzgerald's later works. Selections include "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button," "Babes in the Woods," and a dozen others.

The Diamond as Big as the Ritz is a novella by novelist F. Scott Fitzgerald. It was first published in the June 1922 issue of The Smart Set magazine, and was included in Fitzgerald's 1922 short story collection Tales of the Jazz Age. Much of the story is set in Montana, a setting that may have been inspired by the summer that Fitzgerald spent near White Sulphur Springs, Montana in 1915. Orson Welles adapted the story into a radio play in 1945 and another version was presented three times on the program Escape between 1947 and 1949. A teleplay version was broadcast on Kraft Theatre in 1955. The story's sisters, Kismine and Jasmine, were portrayed by Lee Remick and Elizabeth Montgomery, who were unknowns of 20 and 22 at the time. Mickey Mouse No. 47 (Apr./May 1956) contains a retelling of Fitzgerald's story under the title "The Mystery of Diamond Mountain", scripted by William F. Nolan and Charles Beaumont and illustrated by Paul Murry. Jimmy Buffett recounts the story in the song "Diamond As Big As The Ritz" from his 1995 album Barometer Soup. Famous novells of the author F. S. Fitzgerald: "This Side of Paradise", "The Beautiful and Damned", "The Great Gatsby", "Tender Is the Night", "The Last Tycoon", "The Diamond as Big as the Ritz", "May Day", "The Rich Boy".