Flappers and Philosophers by F. Scott Fitzgerald

This book is a straight-up definition of the Jazz Age, every story.  A number of these tales were originally published in the Saturday Evening Post throughout 1920, the year Fitzgerald married Zelda Sayre.  And Zelda is all over these stories.  He must have been absolutely consumed with her.  Every female in this book has her tell-tale characteristics.  They have bob haircuts, they are strong-willed and intelligent, they love to dance, they love to party, they are Southern Belles, they are confident and overtly sexual.  Even the first edition cover by W.E. Hill, here, has the look of her.

The Fitzgerald’s were superstars.  Of course, they would famously destroy each other over the next couple of decades, but these stories were before all of that.  They are Jazz Age through and through.  This guy defined that era in his work and in the way he lived his life.  This book is a testament to the birth and development of the culture he inspired.  It was also a warning shot (along with This Side of Paradise) of the huge promise he would fulfill in his future work.  Cheers, Scott.