As Ever, Scott Fitz——
(Correspondence of F. Scott Fitzgerald and Harold Ober)

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1919-1923
Early Success

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After Fitzgerald's discharge from the Army in February 1919, he tried to make a fast success in the New York advertising field in order to marry Zelda Sayre. In June she broke the engagement, and Fitzgerald returned to St. Paul, Minnesota, to revise the novel he had written in the Army.

At the time Fitzgerald first approached Paul Revere Reynolds, he was twenty-three years old, and his first novel, This Side of Paradise, had just been accepted by Charles Scribner's Sons. In an article for American Cavalcade (October 1937) titled “Early Success,” Fitzgerald said of these first days: “Then the postman rang and that day I quit work and ran along the streets stopping automobiles to tell friends and acquaintances about it—my novel This Side of Paradise was accepted for publication. That week the postman rang and rang, and I paid off my terrible small debts, bought a suit, and woke up every morning with a world of ineffable top-loftiness and promise.

“While I waited for the novel to appear, the metamorphosis of amateur into professional began to take place—a sort of stitching together of your whole life into a pattern of work so that the end of one job is automatically the beginning of another.”

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1. To Mr. Paul Revere Reynolds

ALS, l p. (AO)

599 Summit Ave. St. Paul, Minn

October 28th, 1919

Mr. Paul Revere Reynolds, 70 Fifth Avenue, New York City

Dear Sir:

Tho Scribner has accepted my first novel and I have sold several stories to Scribner's Magazine and to The Smart Set I am not having much luck with my manuscripts in general. Mrs. Grace Flandrau* suggested that I send one to you to see if you would undertake the disposal of any of my stuff.

The enclosed manuscript, Nest Feathers,+ has never been submitted anywhere. If you feel you can place it anywhere your regular terms will be satisfactory to me.

I'd liked to ask you also if you object to handling manuscripts typed in single space.

Hoping to hear from you, I am

Very truly yours F. Scott Fitzgerald.

Notes:

* Grace Hodgson Flandrau of St. Paul was a novelist of the 1920s and 1930s.

+ “Head and Shoulders,” The Saturday Evening Post, 21 February 1920—Fitzgerald's first Post story, for which he was paid $400.

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2. To Mr. Paul Revere Reynolds

ALS, l p. (AO)

599 Summit Ave. St. Paul, Minn

November 1st 1919.

Mr. Paul Revere Reynolds

Dear Sir:

I am sending you another story* to see if you can undertake to place it also. It was with Scribner for awhile but was returned with the remark that “it is a clever expression of a character and well worth publishing but ect. ect.”

Hoping to hear from you

Very Truly Yours F Scott Fitzgerald

Notes:

* A note in the bottom margin, not in Fitzgerald's hand, reads: “A Smile for Sylvo”. Published as “The Smilers,” The Smart Set, June 1920.

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3. To Mr. Paul Revere Reynolds

ALS, l p. (AO)

599 Summit Ave. St. Paul, Minn

November 4th, 1919

Mr. Paul Revere Reynolds:

Dear Sir:

I am enclosing you a story which in its original form of ten thousand words, though it drew several personal letters was turned down by four magazines.^ The present version has been cut to seven thousand words, entirely [w] rewritten and greatly improved. Hoping to hear from you I am

Very Sincerely Yours F. Scott Fitzgerald

Notes:

§ A note in the bottom margin, not in Fitzgerald's hand, reads: “Barbara Bobs Her Hair”. Later “Bernice Bobs Her Hair,” The Saturday Evening Post, 1 May 1920.

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4. To Mr. Paul Revere Reynolds

ALS, l p. (AO)

599 Summit Ave St. Paul,

Nov. 11th

Mr. Paul Revere Reynolds

Dear Sir:

I recieved your letter acknowledging the reciept of my three stories. I'm going to ask you to hold any communication you may have for me as to their fate, for I'm leaving here Saturday and arrive in New York about the 22nd when I'll come in and see you.

Very Sincerely F. Scott Fitzgerald

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During November 1919 Fitzgerald visited Zelda Sayre in Montgomery, Alabama, and she agreed to marry him.

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5. To Mr. Paul Revere Reynolds

ALS, l p. (AO)

Dear Mr. Reynolds:

This is the best story I ever wrote. ^ I wrote it with the Saturday Evening Post in mind and, if in your judgement there's a chance there or with the Cosmopolitan, I wish you'd try them because I think its worth at least $250.00.

I shall drop in to see you next week in New York

Sincerly F. Scott Fitzgerald

November 14th
599 Summit Ave. St. Paul, Minn.

Notes:

* Possibly “Variety.” Published as “Dalyrimple Goes Wrong,” The Smart Set, February 1920.

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At some point in November 1919, Fitzgerald became the special client of Harold Ober, a partner in the Reynolds Agency, who was responsible for the new or young clients.

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6. To Ober

ALS, l p. (AO)

Dear Mr. Ober—

Do you think this is Post stuff?* Recieved your letter about Variety and have sent it to Smart Set. If you sell any stories I wish you'd wire at my expense.

F. Scott Fitzgerald

599 Summit Ave St. Paul, Minn
12/10/19

Notes:

#A note in the bottom margin, not in Fitzgerald's hand, reads: “The Ice Palace”. Published in The Saturday Evening Post, 22 May 1920.

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7. To Ober

ALS, l p. (AO)

Dear Mr. Ober:

I've been quite dissapointed not to hear that you've sold the Ice Palace. I had an idea that the Post was going in strongly for local color and atmosphere stories—and I suppose that the 8000 word length is hard to dispose of elsewhere.

This is an odd sort of thing I just finished.*

Sincerly

F. Scott Fitzgerald

599 Summit Ave St. Paul, Minn.
12/19/19

Notes:

* A note in the bottom margin, not in Fitzgerald's hand, reads: “Myra Meets his Family”. Published in The Saturday Evening Post, 20 March 1920.

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8. To Ober

ALS, 3pp. n.d. (AO)

599 Summit Ave. St. Paul, Minn

Dear Mr. Ober—

I was talking to Mrs. Flandrau last night and her saying that she'd gotten offers for movie rights to her Post story reminded me of something I wanted to ask you. Is there money in writing movies? Do you sell scenarios?

The day I called you were out + I talked to Mr. Reynolds. I asked him not to offer my stuff to Smart Set. You see they only pay $40.00 so they'd know you'd tried everybody else first and as I'm on rather good terms with Mr. Nathan* and intend to send him half a dozen little one act plays a year, I want to keep on terms with them.

About Scribners—its not as important. I know them very well personally—they're bringing out my novel** in Feb. + have bought 2 stories. But Mr Reynolds told me that to get better prices he'd prefer to have controll of everything I write, but as Scribner pays only $150.00 I cant afford to write much for them. They have seen the two manuscripts you have at present. Anyway I'm not going to send them any more stuff until they've published the things they have now. The two you have—if you can't sell 'em send 'em here + I'll either rewrite them or try Smart Set.

Go ahead + have the soiled manuscripts retyped. I'll fix up “Barbara Bobs her Hair”—and I'm also writing a lot more.

One more question—Is there any market at all for the cynical or pessimistic story except Smart Set or does realism bar a story from any well-paying magazine no matter how cleverly its done?

I gave your adress to a very clever young writer who was in my class at Princeton. His name is Biggs§ + I think perhaps you can get him better luck than he's having by himself.

Sincerely F Scott Fitzgerald

Notes:

* George Jean Nathan, coeditor of The Smart Set.

**  This Side of Paradise.

$ John Biggs, Jr., Fitzgerald's roommate at Princeton, wrote two novels. He was executor of Fitzgerald's estate and is now a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals.

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9. To Fitzgerald

TLS, l p. n.d.—December 1919. Fitzgerald pasted this letter in his scrapbook.

F. Scott Fitzgerald, Esq.

599 Summit Avenue St. Paul, Minn.

Dear Mr. Fitzgerald:

I have just received a letter this morning from the Saturday Evening Post saying that they will be will glad to keep “The Ice Palace”. They will pay four hundred dollars for it.

Yours sincerely Harold Ober

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10. To Ober

ALS, l p. (AO)

599 Summit Ave. St. Paul, Minn

Dec 30th, 1919

Dear Mr. Ober:

I'm delighted about the “Ice Palace”.

About Myra Meets his Family—I'm afraid its no good and if you agree with me don't hesitate to send it back. Perhaps if you give me an idea what the matter with it is I'll be able to rewrite it. About A Smile for Sylvo I'm sure if none of the wealthy magazines want it I can sell it to Smart Set.

I'm just finishing up a really excellent story, the best I have done.*  I will send it along next week.

Best Wishes F. Scott Fitzgerald

P.S. Are you one of the Baltimore Obers that went to Princeton?

Notes:

* Possibly “The Camel's Back,” The Saturday Evening Post, 24 April 1920.

** Fitzgerald's total earnings for 1919—bis first year as a professional writer —were $879.

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11. To Fitzgerald

TLS, l p. n.d.—early January 1920. Fitzgerald pasted this letter in his scrapbook.

F. Scott Fitzgerald, Esq.

599 Summit Avenue, St. Paul, Minn.

Dear Mr. Fitzgerald;

I am wiring you that the Saturday Evening Post is buying your story “Myra Meets His Family” for four hundred dollars ($400.). I am glad to know about the new story you are writing and I think we can manage a little rise in price on the next story.

I thought we could sell “Myra Meets His Family” because it was clever and was full of surprise. I don't remember when I have read a story that has kept me guessing right up to the end as this one did.

If we cannot place “A Smile for Sylvo” during the next month, I shall send it back to you and you can sell it to the Smart Set.

Yours sincerely, Harold Ober

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12. To Ober

ALS, 2pp. (AO); Turnbull.

599 Summit Ave. St. Paul, Minn Jan 8th 1919.**

Dear Mr. Ober—

You could have knocked me over with a feather [with a feather] when you told me you had sold Myra—I never was so heartily sick of a story before I finished it as I was of that one.

Enclosed is a new version of Barbara, called Bernice Bobs Her Hair to distinguish it from Mary Rineheart's “Bab” stories in the Post. I think I've managed to inject a snappy climax into it. Now this story went to several Magazines this summer—Scribners, Woman's H. Companion + the Post but it was in an entirely different, absolutely unrecognizable form, single-spaced and none of 'em kept it more than three days except Scribner, who wrote a personal letter on it.

Is there any money in collections of short stories?

This Post money comes in very handy—my idea is to go south— probably New Orleans and write my second novel. Now my novels, at least my first one, are not like my short stories at all, they are rather cynical and pessimistic—and therefore I doubt if as a whole they'd stand much chance of being published serially in any of the uplift magazines at least until my first novel + these Post stories appear and I get some sort of a reputation.

Now I published three incidents of my first novel in Smart Set last summer + my idea in the new one is [too] to sell such parts as might go as units separately to different magazines, as I write them, because it'll take ten weeks to write it + I don't want to run out of money. There will be one long thing which might make a novellette for the Post called The Diary of a Popular Girl, half a dozen cynical incidents that might do for Smart Set + perhaps a story or two for Scribners or Harpers. How about it—do you think this is a wise plan—or do you think a story like C. G. Norris' Salt or Cabells Jurgen or Driesers Jenny Gerhard would have one chance in a million to be sold serially? I'm asking you for an opinion about this beforehand because it will have an influence on my plans.

Hoping to hear from you I am

Sincerlerly F. Scott Fitzgerald

P.S. The excellent story I told you of probably wont be along for two or three weeks.* I'm stuck in the middle of it.
F S F.

Notes:

* Possibly “The Camel's Back.”

** i.e., 1920. At the beginning of a new year, Fitzgerald sometimes retained the previous year in dating letters.

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13. To Reynolds office

Wire to Reynolds office 9 January 1920. St. Paul. (AO)

HAVE RECEIVED TELEGRAM FROM A MAN NAMED S WAKE-FIELD ADDRESS PRINCETON HOTEL WEST FORTY FIFTH STREET CARE BARNEY MYERS ASKING ME LOWEST ROYALTY ON MY PLAY PORCELAIN AND PINK IN CURRENT SMART SET PLEASE GET IN TOUCH WITH HIM AND MAKE ARRANGEMENTS IF YOU THINK BEST SCOTT FITZGERALD

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14. To Ober

ALS, l p. (AO)

Dear Mr. Ober:

Am leaving for New Orleans tonight. Will wire you when I have a permanent adress. Am sending You another story in about ten days.

I wired you today about atelegram I [ce] recieved concerning a Smart Set playlet. Of course if this man is a burlesque king or on the 10-20-30* I don't suppose it'd be best. But any arrangement you make will be satisfactory to me.

Better hold all communication with me until I write or wire you from the south. I mean if you think there's anything in the playlet business go ahead with it.

As ever
F Scott Fitzgerald

P.S. Thanks for getting the checks here so quick. I was rather strapped for money.

Jan 9th 1920.
599 Summit Ave St. Paul, Minn.

Notes:

* A cheap vaudeville circuit

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In January 1920 Fitzgerald went to New Orleans to write and to be near Zelda. While living at 2900 Prytania Street in New Orleans, he read the galley proofs for This Side of Paradise.

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15. To Ober

ALS (ink and pencil), l p. n.d.—received c. 26 January 1920. (AO)

2900 Prytania Street New Orleans La.

Dear Mr. Ober:

Here's a “Post Story” * I feel pretty sure. If you sell Bernice please wire me the money as soon as you can because I am very broke. Am sending another story on in two days.

I recieved the proofs and forwarded them to the Saturday Evening Post. Thanks for your letter.

As Ever F Scott Fitzgerald

P. S. Smart Set have been after me for a Story for some time so if you don't place Sylvo this month do send it to me. I want to keep inright with Menken + Nathan as they're the most powerful critic in the country.

F-----

Notes:

* A note in the left margin of the letter, not in Fitzgerald's hand, reads: ” 'The Camel's Back' 500 SEP”.

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16. To Mr. Paul Revere Reynolds

ALS, l p. (AO)

2900 Prytania Street New Orleans.

Jan 27th 1920.

Dear Mr. Reynolds

Enclosed is a very odd story.§ If you think the end spoils it clip it off.* I'll leave that to your judgement. Don't look now but when you come to sit see if you think it takes the pep out of the story. Personally I like it as it is.

As I havn't heard I presume the Post didn't take Bernice + I'm quite dissapointed as its too long for almost anyone else. Hope you recieved the Camel's Back. There'll be another story along in about a week

Faithfully F Scott Fitzgerald

Notes:

§ A note in the bottom margin, not in Fitzgerald's hand, reads: “The Proud Piracy”. Published as “The Offshore Pirate,” The Saturday Evening Post, 29 May 1920.

* The discarded ending reveals the kidnaping to have occurred in Ardita's dream.

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17. To Fitzgerald

TLS, l p. n.d.—c. January/February 1920. Fitzgerald pasted this letter in his scrapbook.

F. Scott Fitzgerald, Esq.

2900 Prytania Street New Orleans, La.

Dear Mr. Fitzgerald:

We have sold “The Camel's Back for five hundred dollars. We shall probably get the check next Tuesday and I shall send it on to you at once.

Yours sincerely Harold Ober

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18. To Fitzgerald

TLS, l p. n.d.-c. January/February 1920. Fitzgerald pasted this letter in his scrapbook.

F. Scott Fitzgerald, Esq.,

2900 Prytania Street, New Orleans, La.

Dear Mr. Fitzgerald:

The Saturday Evening Post has decided to keep “Bernice Bobs Her Hair”. The check will probably come in next week. Please don't forget to send in the missing pages.

Yours sincerely, Harold Ober

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19. To Ober

ALS, l p. New York City. (AO)

The Allerton House 143 East 39th St.

Feb 21st

Dear Mr. Ober:

I think you'll see if you read this from the beginning that I've put the required Jazz ending on it and I don't doubt they'll buy it.* I sold “A Smile for Sylvo” to the Smart Set.

The missing pages of Bernice will be here Tuesday + I'll send 'em right down. My letter went to Palm Beach + then all the way back to St. Paul.

On Thursday I'll send you the second of a series of Jellybean stories (small southern town stuff) of which The Ice Palace was the first.

As ever F Scott Fitzgerald.

P.S. The last line takes Mr. Lorimer ** at his word. Its one of the best lines I've ever written. ***
F.

P.S.(2) I've changed the title—improved it I believe.

Notes:

* Probably “The Offshore Pirate.”

** George Horace Lorimer, editor of The Saturday Evening Post.

*** The last line of “The Offshore Pirate” reads: ” 'Perhaps I can guess the other one,' she said; and reaching up on her tiptoes she kissed him softly in the illustration.”

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20. To Fitzgerald

TLS, l p. n.d.—early March 1920. Fitzgerald pasted this letter in his scrapbook.

F. Scott Fitzgerald, Esq.,

Cottage Club, Princeton, N. J.

Dear Mr. Fitzgerald:

I have a letter from Mr. Lorimer this morning saying that AN OFF SHORE PIRATE has safely reached him. He likes the story as you have revised it and is taking it.

Yours sincerely, Harold Ober

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21. To Mr. Paul Revere Reynolds

ALS, l p. n.d.—received 12 March 1920. University Cottage Club, Princeton, stationery. (AO)

Dear Mr. Reynolds:

Glad you sold The Off Shore Pirate. A movie broker who has been bothering me wrote + asked me for your adress. His name is Rosenbaum + I sent him three old scenarios I've been fooling with.

A magazine store here showed me next weeks Post containing Myra Meets His Family. Do you suppose they've buried The Ice Palace in their files? It was the 2nd story you sold 'em + I'm quite depressed about it.

As Ever F Scott Fitzgerald

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22. To Ober

ALS, l p. n.d.—received 22 March 1920. University Cottage Club, Princeton, stationery. (AO)

Dear Mr. Ober:

I am writing Rosenbaum as you suggest.

You can get me on the phone here Princeton 98 W. in case there are any movie offers on Myra Meets His Family.

Sincerely F Scott Fitzgerald

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Fitzgerald's first novel, This Side of Paradise, was published by Scribners on 26 March 1920.

On Saturday, 3 April 1920, F. Scott Fitzgerald and Zelda Sayre were married in the rectory of  St. Patrick's Cathedral, New York City. They lived at first in New York hotels, but in May 1920 they rented a house in Westport, Connecticut, in the hope that Fitzgerald could get back to more regular writing habits.

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23. To Ober

ALS (pencil), 2 pp. n.d.—received 14 May 1920. (AO)

Dear Mr. Ober:

My adress is: c/o Mrs. Marchand Westport Conn.

We have taken a Cottage here for the summer + I expect to do some real work. When those contracts* come better send them out here + any checks deposit in the Chatham + Phenix Bank, 33d St.

Sincerely F Scott Fitzgerald

Notes:

* In May 1920 Fitzgerald was negotiating two contracts: a $3,000 contract with Metro Pictures Corporation for an option on his stories, signed on 27 May 1920; and a contract with Metropolitan Magazine for six stories at $900 each, made 11/12 May 1920. After Metropolitan had declined six stories, Fitzgerald would have the right to write three stories for The Saturday Evening Post; but then Metropolitan would have an option for six more stories. The following stories were submitted under this arrangement: “Jelly Bean,” “His Russet Witch,” “Two for a Cent,” “Benjamin Button” (declined), and “Winter Dreams.” This contract lapsed when Metropolitan Magazine went into receivership.

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24. To Ober

ALS, 1 p. n.d.—received 28 May 1920. (AO)

Dear Mr. Ober:

I am very sorry about the telephone message. We moved yesterday [from] to our new house. Adress

c/o M. C. Wakeman, Compo Road, Westport, Conn.

Telephone 64 Ring 4.

Please ring me on the phone as soon as you have the $1000* for me and I will let you know whether to hold it or deposit it to my account.

I will consider it a favor if you will deduct $5.10 from the check which is 6% interest on $17,00 for 3 weeks. Thanking you for past favors I am

Sincerely F. Scott Fitzgerald.

Notes:

* From Metro as an advance.

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25. To Ober

ALS (ink and pencil), 1p. (AO)

Wakeman's Westport, Conn.

June 2nd, 1920

Dear Mr. Ober:

I've shortened this story* a little and what's more I think I've managed to improve it—but I think it'd spoil it utterly to give it a happy ending. I've also changed the town + the names so it is not a series with The Ice Palace. So if you think the Metropolitan wants it go ahead. It probably needs retyping.

Sincerely F. Scott Fitzgerald.

P.S. I am also leaving “The I. O. U” ** This is the plot that Sell***  particularly wanted for Harps. Baz and which I promised him. I think it is pretty good.
FS.F.

Notes:

* Probably “The Jelly Bean,” Metropolitan Magazine, October 1920.

** This story was published in 2017.

*** Henry Blackman Sell, editor of Harper's Bazaar.

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26. To Ober

F. ALS, 1p. (AO)

Westport, Conn

June 10th 1920

Dear Mr. Ober:

I'm glad this contract has in it about using the original name. I don't think “The Chorus Girl's Romance” is half as good a title as “Head + Shoulders.” *

When you get this check will you please deposit in the Chatham + Phenix Bank to my account and call me up at Westport 64, Ring 4?

Sincerely F. Scott Fitzgerald.

P.S. My mistake. I see that they only agree to use the title in their paid publicity—not as title to the picture

Notes:

* The picture was titled The Chorus Girl's Romance. Starring Viola Dana and directed by William C. Dowlan, it was the first movie made from a Fitzgerald story.

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27. To Fitzgerald from Mr. Paul Revere Reynolds

TLS, 1 p. Fitzgerald pasted this letter in his scrapbook.

June 23, 1920.

F. Scott Fitzgerald, Esq.

c/o M. C. Wakeman, Compo Road, Westport, Conn.

Dear Mr. Fitzgerald:

I have a letter from Mr. Hovey, of The Metropolitan, this morning, accepting THE JELLY-BEAN, and a check for $900.00 should come to me around the first of the month.

Yours very truly, Paul R. Reynolds

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28. To Ober

ALS, 3pp. (AO)

Westport Conn.

July 17th 1920

Dear Mr. Ober:

I am enclosing under a separate cover “The Lees of Happiness” * an excellent if somewhat somber story for The Chicago Tribune. They won't get it, I imagine for several weeks + probably couldn't print it until mid-August but I want to ask them for personal reasons not to print it until September first.

In my contract with the Metro people I notice that they have sixty days in which to choose the ones they want from my stories already published. The contract was dated May 27th which gives them less than two weeks to decide for or against.

The Camel's Back + Bernice Bobs Her Hair —Sat. Eve Post
and
The Four Fists—Scribners

Now there is at least one of these—The Camel's Back for which you said you had had several feelers at the time of publication but am I to understand that in case they have not notified you by July 26th I should try to sell them elsewhere.

I want to do what you think best. You remember that there was one story for which you got no offers. It was called Myra Meets His Family. So after waiting six weeks you told me to go ahead and see if I could get rid of it. So I took it to a Miss Webster, a movie agent of no particular standing, and she managed to get me $1000 for it from The Fox Film Co. My only instinct on the subject is not to waste any of them. That is—I'd rather get $1000 or $1500 than nothing. Will you please let me know at the expiration of that time what I'd better do. I feel perfectly sure that both “The Four Fists” and “The Camel's Back” would make excellent movies and that I could get a good price for them.

If “The I. O. U.” comes back from the Post I wish you'd return it to me as I think I can change it so there'll be no trouble Selling it.

I am starting on that novel for the Metropolitan Magazine.** It will probably be done about October 1st so there will probably be no more short stories this summer

Sincerely
F Scott Fitzgerald

Notes:

* Chicago Sunday Tribune, 12 December 1920.

** The Beautiful and Damned, for which Metropolitan Magazine paid $7,000 in serial rights.

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29. To Ober

ALS (pencil), 1 p. (AO)

July 17th, 1920

Westport, Conn

Dear Mr. Ober:

Just to tell you I'm going away for the three weeks tour. Am not sure where but will be back here about August 1st. Do what you think best about anything concerning my stuff that may come up.

Sincerely F Scott Fitzgerald

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In July 1920 the Fitzgeralds drove from Westport to Montgomery in what they called “the rolling junk.” Fitzgerald wrote an article based on the trip.

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30. To Reynolds office

Wire to Reynolds 3 August 1920. Montgomery, Ala. (AO)

DID NOT GO TO PIEDMONT HOTEL ATLANTA AS EXPECTED SO HAVE HAD NO COMMUNICATIONS FROM YOU WILL YOU PLEASE WIRE RESULTS WITH METRO PICTURE CO AND CHICAGO TRIBUNE BY DAYLETTER TO ME AT SIX PLEASANT AVE MONTGOMERY ALA SCOTT FITZGERALD

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31. To Ober

ALS, 1 p. (AO)

Westport, Conn.

Aug 6th, 1920.

Dear Mr. Ober:

I can't seem to stay solvent—but I think if you can advance me $500.00 on the Chicago Tribune I'll be able to survive the summer. If this is O. K. send it to the Chatham + Phenix Bank, 33d St + Sth Ave.

Hovey* of the Metropolitan wrote me asking for more short stories but I'm embarked [om] on my new novel now and tremendously interested. Despite Heywood Broun** the first novel has sold 30,000 copies + is still going strong.

I will follow your about the Metro people + wait, anyway, until Sept.

Sincerely F Scott Fitzgerald

Notes:

* Carl Hovey, editor of the Metropolitan Magazine.

** Broun reviewed This Side of Paradise unfavorably in the New York Tribune.

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32. To Mr. Paul Revere Reynolds

ALS, 1 p. (AO)

Westport, Conn

August 11th 1920

Dear Mr. Reynolds:

Thank you for the advance.

In regard to the Scribner matter. Young Scribner + I were friends at Princeton and so far he has been so good about all my things that I like to keep that personal relation. On my book of short stories * which is to appear this fall they gave me an advance of $500.00 which is really unusually large for a first novel. My idea, Mr. Reynolds, is to live permanently abroad as soon as I can afford it— I hope within a year + of course in that case I should put the book rights directly in your hands.

So I would rather let this matter wait at present. Should I feel that they weren't giving me enough this fall I'd hand over the matter to you.

The novel is going to be a wonder. I'm half thru it.

Sincerely F Scott Fitzgerald

Notes:

* Flappers and Philosophers, published by Scribners in August 1920, was Fitzgerald's first collection of short stories.

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33. To Ober

ALS, 1 p. (AO)

Sept 17th, 1920

Westport Conn.

Dear Mr. Ober:

Thank you for your letter of September 15th. I am sending you a copy of “Flappers and Philosophers.” I agree with you absolutely that it is not wise to sell things at a low price but I do think also that in the last analysis nothing but the inherent quality of an authors work will keep his price way up—and meanwhile one must live. I am perfectly willing to wait just as long as you think there is a likely chance of selling those two movies thru your movie brokerage.

You speak of the dramatic rights of This Side of Paradise. My idea has been to dramatize it myself rather than have someone else do it. Don't you think it'd be easier to dispose of a [printed] finished play than of a book?

Sincerely F. Scott Fitzgerald

PS. Does this contract with Metro mean that they could buy the movie rights of my new novel for $3000.00. Surely not!
F. S. F.

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34. Inscription to Harold Ober

For Harold Ober who chaperoned these debutantes
with best wishes from
F Scott Fitzgerald

Inscription in Flappers and Philosophers. (AO)

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In October 1920 the Fitzgeralds moved into New York City, where they took an apartment at 38 West 59th Street.

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35. To Ober

ALS, 1 p. n.d.—received 18 October 1920. (AO)

38 W. 59th St. New York City Dear Mr. Ober:

Here is the story for the Metrolitan. § I think its the best thing I ever wrote. I will probably have another for them soon.

Will you forward the enclosed letter to Mr. Hovey with the story?

Sincerely F Scott Fitzgerald

Notes:

§ Probably “His Russet Witch,” Metropolitan Magazine, February 1921.

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36. To Ober

ALS, 1 p. n.d.—received 23 October 1920. (AO)

38 W. 59th St. New York City

Dear Mr. Ober:

So far as Scribners Magazine + Smart Set are concerned I have the serial rights to those stories but Scribners in the contract to Flappers + Philosophers lay claim to half of any profits I may derive from publication of the things in any other form.

I called them on the phone + they said to go ahead + sell them on condition that they wouldn't appear anywhere until the first of the year as it would kill [of] the sale of the book which as gone into a third edition.

Sincerely F. Scott Fitzgerald.

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37. To Ober

ALS, 1 p. (AO)

38 W. 59th St. New York City

Oct 23d 1920

Dear Mr. Ober:

Recieved the list of stenographers corrections. All are O. K + I am considerably in her debt. I will wait 'till I get the proof from the Metropolitan to make any others

Sincerelly F Scott Fitzgerald

P.S. I wrote you about 2nd serial that Scribners says O.K after January first. Before that it would kill book which is in 3d printing

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38. To Ober

ALS, 1 p. n.d.—received 30 October 1920. (AO)

38 W. 59th St. New York City

Dear Mr Ober:

Sorry I havn't been clearer but my first letter must have gone astray.

Niether Smart Set nor Scribners Magazine object to my selling 2nd serial rights to those four stories but I have to divide whatever they bring (after your commission is taken out) with Scribners because it is so written in the contract for Flappers and Philosophers.

Sincerely F Scott Fitzgerald

---

39. To Ober

ALS, 1 p. (AO)

Nov 24th 1920

38 (Note correct adress. You had 33) W. 59th St

Dear Mr. Ober:

I'm glad you sold Myra.* I guess you are [write] right about having your english office hold the money. Working hard on my novel

Sincerely F Scott Fitzgerald

Notes:

* Refers to the English reprinting of “Myra Meets His Family” in Sovereign.

---

40. To Ober

ALS, 1 p. n.d.—received 27 December 1920. (AO)

38 W. 59th St. New York City

Dear Mr Ober:

Thank you for the complement. Just finishing up the novel. Merry Xmas

As Ever F Scott Fitzgerald

---

Fitzgerald's total earnings for 1920 were $18,850. He sold ten stories ($3,975). His book royalties were $6,200 from This Side of Paradise and $500 from Flappers and Philosophers. The balance came from the movie sales of his stories and an option on his output. [The annual summaries in this volume include only major sources of Fitzgerald's income. For complete listings, see “Fitzgerald's Ledger” Fitzgerald/Hemingway Annual 1971.]

---

41. To Ober

ALS, 1 p. n.d.—received 13 January 1921. (AO)

38 W 59th St. New York City

Dear Mr. Ober:

Novel finished and I am doing a final revision. Ought to be through shortly.

Yours F. Scott Fitzgerald

---

42. To Ober

ALS, 1 p. (AO)

38 W 59th St. New York City.

Jan 25th, 1920 [i.e., 1921]

Dear Mr. Ober:

This is to acknowledge your very kind advance of $650.00 on a story which I will deliver the beginin[n]g of next week. I certainly appreciate the favor as I have those in the past.

Sincerely F Scott Fitzgerald.

---

43. To Ober

ALS, 1 p. (AO)

38 W. 59th St. New York City

Feb 2nd 1920

Dear Mr. Ober:

As I was trying to wade thru a story furious at myself for having to interrupt my novel, a miracle happened and I got some money. So if you don't mind I'm returning your very gracious advance with a week's interest at six per-cent. So I shall go on with the novel which is all at the typists except one chapter. I will surely have it to you within two weeks.

Sincerely F Scott Fitzgerald.

---

44. To Ober

ALS, 1 p. (AO)

38 W 59th St. New York City

Feb 7th 1920

Dear Mr Ober:

Thank you for your very nice letter. I think I can manage now until I send you the novel.

Faithfully and ever in your debt. F Scott Fitzgerald

---

45. To Mr. Paul Revere Reynolds

ALS, 1 p. (AO)

April 8th 1921

38 W 59th St New York City

Dear Mr. Reynolds:

The Chi Trib offer sounds allright to me and of course do what you think best. * But don't you think that if my second book (which should reach you early [as] next week) goes as well as This Side of Paradise (which sold around seventy five thousand copies) I might be able to get $1500 a story in the future? It seems to me that many writers who have had far less publicity are getting over a thousand. But your judgement is better than mine on the subject so go ahead as you think best

Sincerely
F Scott Fitzgerald

Notes:

* The nature of this offer is unknown.

---

46. To Ober

ALS, 1 p. n.p. (AO)

April 22nd 1921

Dear Mr Ober:

Here is Part I of the novel. Part II reaches you Monday and Part III Tuesday. I wish you'd forward it to the Metropolitan in parts as I'm sailing on May the third for England and I'm anxious to hear about the book as soon as possible.

Should he * not take it, it seems to me that it should be published [somewhere] either in a weekly or as a four part serial—because it seems to me that the psychological time for my next novel to appear in book form is this coming fall. However, we can discuss that later

Sincerely F Scott Fitzgerald

Notes:

# Metropolitan Magazine serialized The Beautiful and Damned monthly from September 1921 to March 1922, and Carl Hovey cut some 40,000 words out of the 130,000-word typescript.

---

When Zelda became pregnant, the Fitzgeralds set sail for their first trip to Europe on 3 May 1921. They returned to the United States in late July and settled briefly in Montgomery at 6 Pleasant Avenue.

---

47. To Ober

ALS, 1 p. n.d.—received 21 May 1921. R.M.S. Aquitania stationery. (AO)

Dear Mr. Ober:

I intended to send you the movie* before I left. I will forward it from London. I certainly appreciate your kindness in making this advance and I hope the Metropolitan will reimburse you promptly.

My best address is % American Express Paris. I will write you from London

Sincerely F Scott Fitzgerald

Notes:

* This movie has not been identified.

---

48. To Ober

ALS, 2pp. (AO)

Rome,
June 12th, 1921

Dear Mr. Ober:

Our trip has been rather a dissapointment and we have decided to return to America. We're leaving this week for London and hope to find a boat about the 1st of July.

I am going to ask you if you can let us have another thousand dollars, and if you will have it cabled to us % the American Express, London as we'll need it for our passage home.

I have finished the movie and am forwarding it as soon as I can find a big envelope. I hope Metro will take it. The more I see of Italy the more I think of America.

Of course you are familiar with the Tauchnitz and the Conard series of Brittish + American authors. Do you think there's any chance for any of my books getting in to one of those series? Brentanos in Paris told me they sold a lot of This Side of Paradise.

As liver
F. Scott Fitzgerald

---

49. To Ober

ALS, 1 p. n.d.—July 1921. Hotel Cecil, London, stationery. (AO)

Dear Mr. Ober:

Thanks immensely for your furthur advance. We are sailing on the 9th of this month + I'll deliver you my movie when I arrive—I hope to God it will manage to square accounts as I am about 2,400 in your debt.

Sincerely F Scott Fitzgerald

---

In August 1921 the Fitzgeralds moved to St. Paul, Minnesota, for the birth of their baby. Friends found them a place to live at Dellwood, White Bear Lake.

---

50. To Ober

ALS, 1 p. (AO)

c/o Mrs. Mackey Thompson Dellwood, Whitebear,

August 16th, 1921

Dear Mr. Ober:

I am answering five of your letters at once.

(1st) June 28th. I will take up the Tauchnitz matter with Scribner.

(2nd) I am glad you have sold the Off Shore Pirate*

(3d) The Sovereign Magazine ** hasn't arrived yet.

(4th) About the novel. I have a hunch that is going to be almost as big a success in book form as Main Street. If so it would be foolish to sell it now as a movie, wouldn't it? I should say that it would be scarcely worth while under $10,000 as I think the value of my stuff will increase as it grows older. However I will instruct Scribner to send you the ms. for copying. Will you have a carbon made too as I wish to send it to Collins*** in England. (5th) Thank you for depositing the money.

As Ever F Scott Fitzgerald

Notes:

* Probably refers to English reprinting in Sovereign.

** The July issue included “Myra Meets His Family.”

*** William Collins Sons was Fitzgerald's English publisher at this time.

---

51. To Ober

ALS, 1 p. (AO)

Dellwood, Minn White Bear Lake

Aug [22nd] 31st 1921

Dear Mr. Ober:

I have just recieved word from Perkins* that they have The Beautiful and Damned in hand and therefor the best they can do is to send you a galley proof early in Oct. I hope this won't be too late to take up the question of spring publication in [Euro] England.

Sincerely F. Scott Fitzgerald

P. S. 1st Story will reach you Monday absolutely

Notes:

# Maxwell Perkins, Fitzgerald's editor at Charles Scribner's Sons.

---

52. To Ober

TLS, 1 p. (AO)

Dear Mr. Ober:

I am enclosing the first of the Saturday Evening Post stories—but I am not sure that it is advisable to submit this one to them if you intend to ask for more money than they have ever given me before—this is not exactly the kind of thing that my commercial value rests on, not that this is too deep for it is certainly not that, but becauseit contains no female characters at all. However, do as you think best. I have got my hand in now and you can expect some more and some much better stuff along next week and for several weeks thereafter.

Perkins tells me that he is sending you a galley proof shortly so you can sound out the English market.

Sincerely
F. Scott Fitzgerald

Dellwood White bear Lake,Minn.
Sept. 7th 1921

---

53. To Ober

ALS, 1 p. (AO)

Dellwood, White Bear Lake, Minn.

Sept 14th 1921

Dear Mr. Ober:

Glad you like the story.* I don't—particularly. But I'm writing a beauty now.

As to the Metropolitan—it seems to me that the contract is certainly null and void if they are not willing to pay cash within the month for short stories whether they intend publishing them in one month or one year. I mean they can't keep buying my stories agreeing to pay when they've finished paying for the serial. Have they been remitting anything lately?

I should suggest The Beautiful + Damned to be offered to Fatty Arbuckle immediately. (joke!)

So I think you're right. Hovey should be willing to let me sell to the Post until he is ready to pay cash for stories.

Sincerely F Scott Fitzgerald.

Notes:

* Possibly “Two for a Cent,” Metropolitan Magazine, May 1922.

---

54. To Ober

ALS, 1 p. (AO)

Dellwood, White Bear Lake, Minn.

September 28th, 1921

Dear Mr. Ober—

Your letter rather worries me. Do you suppose the Metropolitan is going on the rocks along with Mcclures. Leslie's, Judge, Film Fun and the rest. That would be worse than tragic for me , to look at it from one point of view—putting off my book until Spring may hurt it tremendously as it is—several of the things this fall scout the same [ideas] field and may reap all the corn before my reaper comes along.

As I understand it they have paid you $3000 and you have advanced me [$5500] $5400.00. They should have paid you $5000 by the 1st of October. There is still coming $1800.00*  to me and $3300 to you. Is this right.

I am finishing a two part story which should be good for the Post and which I will send you on Tuesday.** Meanwhile I am in the traditional poverty-stricken condition with coal high and a baby about due. I hope to God the Post takes that first story***  though I feel no confidence about it. I don't want want to howl for money as I am apparently already $2700 in your debt due to the Metropolitan—but you may recieve a howl anyday now. I know you are short yourself because of the recent magazine-slump so I will try to ask as little as possible.

Faithfully F Scott Fitzgerald.

Notes:

* Ober wrote “$900” beneath this figure and wrote in the bottom margin: “Metropolitan owes us 4000.00”.

** Possibly “The Diamond as Big as the Ritz,” The Smart Set, June 1922.

*** Possibly “Two for a Cent.”

---

55. To Ober

ALS, 1 p. (AO)

New Address——599 Summit Ave, St. Paul, Minn

Dear Mr. Ober:

I'm calling on you before I thot I'd have to, + rather counting on the fact that the S.E.P. has bought that story.

I need as much of $600.00 as you can let me have if you can let me have any—and I'm going to ask you when you get this to deposit whatever it may be in the Chatham + Phenix Bank, 33d St. and to telegraph me how much it was. If the magazine situation has tied you up all around wire me that bad news + I'll see what I can do right away about it somewhere else.

The Usual bother F Scott Fitzgerald

Oct 3d, 1921

---

56. To Ober

ALS, 1 p. n.d.—received 11 October 1921. (AO)

599 Summit Ave. St. Paul, Minn

Dear Mr. Ober:

I did not realize that I had had so much of the money. It sort of shocked me so I'll probably turn out a lot of work quick. The 2 part story should be back from the typist tomorrow. Thank you very much for the money.

I am not surprised that the Post didn't take that story. There is something the matter with it—a certain thinness. I will try another flapper story.

Sincerely
F Scott Fitzg—

---

57. To Ober

ALS, 1 p. (AO)

Adress me here. 599 Summit Ave., St. Paul, Minn

Oct 16th, 1921

Dear Mr. Ober:

There's not a decent typist in town so perhaps you'll [have] want to have this done over before you submit it. * Seems to me there's a movie in it. It comes to 20,000 words and can be divided into a two part story—Parts I-VI (inc.) as the 1st + Parts VII-XI (inc) as the 2nd.

This is a wild sort of extravaganza partly on the order of The Off-shore Pirate + partly like The Russet Witch. I think the Post ought to take it.

I shall begin another one tomorrow.

As to the novel. I made so many changes in the galley proof that I would rather send you a page proof to offer to the movies + have written Scribner to that effect. It should be ready shortly.

[It seems to me that the enclosed might make a movie]

Sincerely F Scott Fitzgerald

Notes:

* “The Diamond as Big as the Ritz” (originally titled “The Diamond in the Sky”).

---

58. To Ober

ALS, 2pp. n.d.—early November 1921. (AO)

599 Summit Ave, St. Paul, Minn:

Dear Mr. Ober:

Enclosed is another story.* I don't know what's the matter with me—this has run out to [15,000] [about 18,000] 15,000-18,000 words—so instead of having five stories out I have three. This one ought to sell—unless its length [was] is a disadvantage. I wish you could offer it to the Post because its precisely their stuff—but I don't suppose you can. **

As to the others. I am not very fond of Two for a Penny. It is a fair story with an O. Henry twist but it is niether 1st class nor popular because it has no love interest. My heart wasn't in it so I know it lacks vitality. Perhaps you'd better return it to me + maybe I can fix it up.

As to The Diamond in the Sky. I was sorry the Post refused but I can understand. It might interest Burton Rascoe of Mccaulls or Harry Sell *** + I feel quite sure that as a last rescourse Nathan of Smart Set would take it for a novellette if you had your stenographer write “Chap. II” instead “II” ect. They once gave me two hundred dollars for a novellette that length + they might give $250. now. Also Bridges of Scribners**** [have] has been after a story for some time.

I have a little girl as I may have told you.

I may a little later have to call on you for that last $300.00 as I'm getting pretty low. I'll try a 5000 word story next. I ought to be able to do one in a week.

As Ever F Scott Fitzgerald

Notes:

* Probably “The Popular Girl,” The Saturday Evening Post, Hand 18 February 1922.

** Metropolitan Magazine had first refusal on stories at this time.

*** Sell reported: “I am sorry to tell you that I cannot get through Scott Fitzgerald's The Diamond in the Sky.' ”

**** Robert Bridges, editor-in-chief of Scribner's Magazine.

---

59. To Ober

ALS, 1 p. (AO)

Nov 22nd 1921

Dear Mr Ober—

You're letter came + I'm glad Hovey bought the story.* I shall not mention its history [too] to him.

I regret to say that I'll have to ask you again for money. Could you deposit $500 for me right away at my bank? I think that will carry me to the 1st.

I have no doubt that you'll be able to sell The Popular Girl to any market you send it to. I'm half through another one now.

My new adress is for the winter. 626 Goodrich Ave., St. Paul, Minn.

If you can't deposit that money in the Chatham + Phenix, 33d St. I wish you'd wire me. Only if you can't.

As Ever F Scott Fitzgerald

Notes:

* “Two for a Cent.”

---

60. To Ober

ALS, 5pp. (AO)

626 Goodrich Ave. St. Paul, Minn

November 29th 1921

Dear Mr. Ober—

Some time ago I wrote Scribners suggesting that you place my new novel in England. They answered that that would be agreeable to them except for the fact that Collins in asking to publish This Side of Paradise had specified that they should also have an option on my next two novels. They wrote Scribners last month saying that they intended to bring out Flappers and Philosophers this Spring.

I suppose, therefore, that, if you think it worth while,!! the rest of the stories contained in it should be disposed of now—if at all— to any English magazine market that presents itself—for of course they would lose all value to a magazine if not published before the book appears in April or May.

I believe you have disposed of The Off Shore Pirate + Head + Shoulders—also Myra Meets his Family which story however, I [do not] never have liked, + do not intend ever republishing in book form. This leaves the following:

From Flappers

The Ice Palace (Post)

Bernice Bobs Her Hair (Post)

Benediction (Smart Set)

Dalyrimple goes Wrong (Smart Set)

The Cut Glass Bowl (Scribners)

The Four Fists (Scribners)

Now that I think of it, however, The Smart Set is published in England, so these two are dead.

And there are others, of course,—The Camel's back, the one from the Chicago Tribune,* the three from the Metropolitan** + the new Post one** but of course about these there's no hurry. The whole thing is probably too small a matter to bother about.

Do you think there is any chance of serializing The Beautiful + Damned in England? When Scribners sends you the page proof for the movies I wish you'd read it. Its a changed book from the serialized version**** as I've almost completely rewritten parts of it since I came home this summer + think now that its a rather excellent novel.

Sincerely F Scott Fitzg—

Notes:

* “Lees of Happiness.”

** “The Jelly Bean,” “His Russet Witch,” and “Two for a Cent.”

*** Probably “The Popular Girl.”

**** Other correspondence relating to the serialization of The Beautiful and Damned ems to be missing.

---

61. To Ober

TLS, 1 p. Fitzgerald pasted this letter in his scrapbook.

November 26, 1921.

F. Scott Fitzgerald, Esq.,

626 Goodrich Avenue, St. Paul, Minn.

Dear Mr. Fitzgerald:

The Saturday Evening Post is taking THE POPULAR GIRL and will pay fifteen hundred dollars ($1500.) for it. They will use it as a one part story.

Sincerely yours, Harold Ober

---

62. To Ober

ALS (pencil), 1 p. n.d.—probably November/December 1921. (AO)

626 Goodrich Ave. St. Paul

Dear Mr. Ober:

Am enclosing The Diamond in the Sky cut to 15,000 words from the original 20,000—from 87 pages to 66.1 don't feel that I can [cuil] cut it any farther without ruining the story. I think this much cutting has improved it.

If the [comm] better priced markets won't have it I suggest Scribners or even Smart Set tho I doubt if they'd pay more than $200. or $250. or possibly $300 for it as a novellette.

Thank you for depositing the money for me. I am concieving a play which is to make my fortune *

Sincerely
F Scott Fitzgerald

Notes:

* Gabriel's Trombone, which became The Vegetable.

---

63. To Ober

ALS, 1 p. n.d.—received 1 December 1921. (AO)

Dear Mr. Ober:

Thanks for the $500.00 . I'm delighted that you got such a good price for The Popular Girl. Will send on the funniest story ever written this week*

As Ever F Scott Fitzgerald

626 Goodrich Ave. St. Paul, Minn

Notes:

* Possibly “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button,” Collier's, 27 May 1922.

---

64. To Ober

ALS, 1 p. n.d.—December 1921. (AO)

626 Goodrich Ave.

St. Paul, Minn. Dear Mr. Ober:

Thank you very much for your telegram + letter + for depositing the money. The play will be finished shortly.

The baby is called Frances Scott Patricia Fredricka Fitzgerald. It can choose its name from among these when it is older. At present it is two (months).

Sincerely
F Scott Fitz

---

65. To Ober

ALS, 1 p. n.d.—received 27 December 1921. (AO)

626 Goodrich Ave St. Paul, Minn.

Dear Mr. Ober:

My play won't be finished until about the 10th of January + I'm getting sort of low again. Does Hovey still owe about $500 on that last short story? * If he's still paying slow let me know and I'll put my play aside for a week + tear off another Post story.

My play is the funniest ever written + will make a fortune. I'd suggest offering it to Miller (of Frohmans)** first, as they heard of it in a round about way + wrote me. Harris ***  was also interested about a year ago—do you remember?

As Ever F Scott Fitzgerald

Notes:

* “Two for a Cent.”

** Gilbert Miller, an independent theatrical producer who was associated with Daniel Frohman's producing agency.

*** The play was offered to producer William Harris, Jr., but was produced by Sam H. Harris.

---

66. To Ober

ALS, 1 p. n.d.—late December 1921. (AO)

626 Goodrich Ave. St. Paul, Minn

Dear Mr. Ober—

My play will be done by the 1st of Jan. I will have three copies as you suggest. On Jan 1st I'll finish a short story in a day or so of which I have the 1st draft + send it on after the play.

If possible I would like to extort another $500.00 from you. This will really be the last time as my novel appears March 1st + the play is going to make me rich. If O. K. will you deposit?

The Eternal Beggar
F Scott Fitzgerald

---

Fitzgerald's total earnings for 1921 were $19,065. He sold only one story. Other major sources of income were This Side of Paradise, which brought in $5,636.68, and Flappers and Philosophers, which made $2,730. The serial rights for The Beautiful and Damned sold for $7,000.

---

67. To Ober

ALS, 2pp. (AO)

January 24th, 1921 [i.e., 1922]

626 Goodrich

Dear Mr Ober:

Under a separate cover I enclose a short story** which I began a long time ago and decided to take two days off to finish up. It is a wierd thing and I suppose the Metropolitan would be most likely to take it—but I really feel that unless they pay faster I never want to sign another contract with them. I don't know what I should have done without your generosity in advancing me money but its been terribly embarrassing asking you for it when I know you havn't yet recieved it yourself.

The play should be done by the middle of February. If the Diamond in the Sky is still unsold I wish you'd offer it to Smart Set as a novellette. Any other magizine would cut it to pieces before they published it anyway.

Hope Wigham*** is back from Paris so he can pay for this new story. Its a plot thats haunted me for two years and is like nothing I've ever read before. Of course that's against it with the American public which prefers the immemorial jaw-breakers. If this one doesn't go please let me know at once and I'll do another like The Popular Girl. You notice that The Popular Girl hasn't the vitality of my earlier popular stories even tho I've learned my tricks better now and am technically proficient. I don't believe its possible to stand still—you've either got to go ahead or slide back and in The Popular Girl I was merely repeating the matter of an earlier period without being able to capture the exuberant manner. Still I hope to God that The Popular Girl is bought by the movies.

Sincerely F Scott Fitzgerald

P.S. I nearly forgot the whole purpose of this letter. Here it is. When I finish my play I plan to write a series of twelve articles which will ostensibly be the record of a trip to Europe but will really be a mass of impressions and heavily laden with autobiography. The first one will be called “Dawn” and will hinge apon my first [loo] view of Cherbourg, France. The twelve will not be connected and could go to different magizines if advisable, though I intend to publish them afterwards in one book.

Now I can't describe them exactly but they will be something utterly original—If you have read Hergeshiemer's St. Christobal de Habana. Driesers' A Traveller at Forty and Conrad's A Personal Record you will see somewhat what I mean. In a way they will be an attempt to capitalize what attention I [by] have recieved by being young “ect.”

Now what I want to know is this. Is there any high-priced market for such stuff? I see travel articles in the Post—do they pay as high for those as for stories, or higher? And does any high-paying magazine except the Post buy such things?—the things will be beautifully written, they will not be radical, they will not be sexual but they will be sincere.

Write me and tell me what you think? I know you can't judge until you've seen the articles but I don't want to begin them until I see a possible market. I swear they will be, in book form, the biggest thing of their kind since “Innocense Abroad.”****

As Ever F Scott Fitzg—

Notes:

** “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.”

***  Henry James Whigham, publisher of Metropolitan Magazine.

**** Fitzgerald's travel series was never written.

---

68. To Ober

ALS, 3pp. (AO)

626 Goodrich Ave St. Paul

Feb 5th, 1922

Dear Mr. Ober—

I have your letter of Jan 30th. There are several things I want to speak to you about

(1.) My play will be done in about 10 days—two weeks. It is a wonder, I think, and should make a great deal of money.

(2.) A well-known author* who came through here last week said he thought The Metropolitan was on the verge of failure. As I understand they have finally paid you for my novel but have not paid for my last short story (though you have paid me for it— advanced it, I mean). If this is true do you think Benjamin Button should go to them until they have paid for Two for a Cent? I think that Benjamin Button, tho, like The Diamond in the Sky, satirical, would sell, because it does not “blaspheme” like the latter—which leads to my third point:

(3.) I should much prefer that The Diamond in the Sky be sent to Smart Set as soon as it can be re-typed with “Chap I” substituted for “I” ect. If Rascoe of Mccauls wouldn't risk it then Bridges of Scribners wouldn't. Besides he would hack it all to pieces—I once had reams of correspondence with him over a “God damn” in a story called The Cut Glass Bowl. Besides they would pay little more than Scribner—possibly four hundred or five hundred I should guess at most for a two [short] part short story—while Smart Set, though they pay only $35-$80 for short stories, once gave me $200.00 for a novellette when I was unknown, and I feel sure they'd give me $250.00 now.

In short I realize I can't get a real good price for the three weeks work that story represents—so I'd much rather get no price but reap the subtle, and nowadays oh-so-valuble dividend that comes from Mencken's good graces. Besides, in the Smart Set it will be featured.

Again, I'm anxious to get it published soon so it can go in a collection I plan for next fall. I think if you offer it to them as a novellette without mentioning that its been the rounds but simply saying that I asked you to send it to them, they will take it. Of course if you'd rather not deal with Smart Set send it to me.

I suppose that I have been more trouble to you with less profit than any writer whose work you have yet handled but I have every confidence that when my play comes out we will square the whole thing. You have advanced me everything so far sold in America and I imagine the few pounds earned in England have been used up in type writing bills ect.

But I am going to call on you again to advance me, if you will, five hundred dollars on Benjamin Button. Don't bother to telegraph [but if] unless you can't, [obliterated]

I am rather discouraged that a cheap story like The Popular Girl written in one week while the baby was being born brings $1500.00 + a genuinely imaginative thing into which I put three weeks real entheusiasm like The Diamond in the Sky brings not a thing. But, by God + Lorimer, I'm going to make a fortune yet.

F Scott Fitzgerald

I note what you say about my “travel stories”   I start on them in two weeks when I finish my play       F.S.F.**

Notes:

* Probably Joseph Hergesheimer.

** This postscript is written along the left margin of page three.

---

69. To Ober

ALS, 1 p. n.d.— February 1922. (AO)

626 Goodrich Ave. St Paul, Minn

Dear Mr Ober:

Thank you for The Popular Girl. I hope to God the Famous Players buy The Popular Girl.* I hope they do. I'm glad the Post will be hospitably disposed toward the articles. They will be like nothing ever done before in the way of a Travel Article. I expect to send you my play within 10 days now and will then begin on them. The play is fine, I think + should go big. Both Wm. Harris + Frohman are anxious for it—but more of that anon. By now you will have recieved my letter asking you for a $500.00 advance on Benjamin Button. I hope it's O. K. I am sending you a copy of my novel. Finishing my play has encouraged me tremendously.

As Ever F Scott Fitzgerald

P.S. I'm glad the Post gave me first place and good illustrations.

Notes:

* They did not buy it for the movies.

---

70. Inscription to Harold Ober

To Harold Ober
from his friend
F Scott Fitzgerald
Feb 6th 1922
St. Paul, Minn.

Inscription in The Beautiful and Damned, which was published on 3 March, 1922. (AO)

---

71. To Ober

ALS, 1 p. (AO)

626 Goodrich Ave. St. Paul, Minn

Feb 11th, 1921

Dear Mr. Ober:

Thanks very much for the $500.00. I was in a tight place. I'm glad the Metropolitan came through with a $1000.00. In that case, if I'm not wrong, I'm square with you, except for this last $500. advance on Benjamin Button. Or does this check from them fully cover the last of the novel + Two for a Penny. This is a rhetorical question

As Ever. F Scott Fitzgerald

---

72. To Ober

ALS, 1 p. n.d.—received 15 February 1922. (AO)

Dear Mr. Ober:

My wife read me only a part of your letter over the phone. She ommitted exactly what I wanted to know—how much the Metropolitan had paid you + that is why my letter was so stupid. I am still, then, over a thousand dollars in your debt.

I have written Nathan that you are sending the novellette *

Sincerely F Scott Fitzgerald

Notes:

* “The Diamond as Big as the Ritz.”

---

73. To Ober

ALS (pencil), 1 p. n.d.—February 1922. St. Paul. (AO)

Dear Mr. Ober:

I'm glad Wigham is coming across. Play leaves here a week from today. Both Harris + Frohman are angling for it and while [Har] I should rather prefer Harris as a producer one of my best friends is in Frohman's and is anxious to get it. Its a sure fire money maker. Would it be best to send a copy to both? I'll send you two copies + let you decide.

As Ever
F Scott Fitzgerald*

Notes:

* A note in the bottom margin, in Ober's hand, reads: “on envelope P. S. Did anything come of movie rights to Popular Girl”.

---

74. To Ober

ALS (pencil), 6pp. (AO)

626 Goodrich Ave. St. Paul, Minn

March 2nd 1922.

Dear Mr. Ober:

Herewith the play. Now as to placing it. As I understand you do all your play work through Alice Kauser. From all I can gather Alice Kauser is [an] a manager's agent rather than an author's: That is, that while [the] she's the best in the country, she is for the manager (producer) as against the playrite. [While you, on the contrary, are for the author every time as against the editor or publisher.]

Now here's the point. Both Harris + Frohman want my play. But while Harris has been at me longer Frohman is, I think, the best bet of the two. One of my great friends in college—Alexander McKaig—is assistant to Mr. Miller in Frohman's. And I think—in fact I almost know—that (and this is for your ears alone, not for Alice Kauser, for it might get him in trouble,) it can be arranged with him that I keep most of the movie rights. In other words Harris wants the play because he thinks it will be the flapper play. But with him it will be a 50-50 movie right proposition. But Frohman will, I believe, be so tickled to get any good American comedy of the type of The First Year * that they'll yield any point on that, I believe, and give me between 75% + 90% of the movie rights which I think is what the author ought to get anyways.

Now I don't know Miss Kauser. I know that several playrite friends of mine (and damm successful playrites) distrust her frightfully, so I'm asking you to see a way to put it to Frohman's (if they want it at all!) so that it is understood that “this is no ordinary play ect.” + we have a right to expect special terms.

In any case, unless you have other plans, I'd like the original copy to go to Frohman “Attention Mr. Alex McKaig”—and the second copy to go to Mr. David Wallace of Wm. Harris Jr. either at the same time or as soon as the etiquette [goes] of marketing plays allows after the first copy has been sent. I believe Harris would be better than Frohman, even, at this type of play: He did so well with Clarence.**

I should not, I suppose I should say now, want to collaborate with anyone else in a revision of this. I'm willing to revise it myself with advice from whomsovever they should designate—but I feel that Acts I + III are probably the best pieces of dramatic comedy written in English in the last 5 years and I wouldn't let them go entirely out of my possession [nie] nor permit the addition of another name to the authorship of the play.

I should like to aid in the casting—also I should like it to be produced as soon as possible with the chance of it being able to run thru the hot-weather However I will be in New York on the 9th of this month + we can discuss it then. [obliterated] *** I was surprised that Smart Set paid three hundred.****

It's a good play. Act II (three scenes) are probably wretchedly constructed according to Baker and his school of Carpenters***** but about every two years Craven or Tarkington come along + put Baker in his place. I will name the play later. Can't think of one just now

Into your hands, Oh Lord******* I commend my playing.

As Ever F Scott Fitzgerald

Notes:

* A play by actor-playwright Frank Craven, produced in 1920.

** Booth Tarkington's play Clarence, produced in 1919.

*** A sentence mentioning Alice Kauser is struck out.

**** For “The Diamond as Big as the Ritz.”

***** Professor George Pierce Baker conducted the “47 Workshop,” a playwriting course, at Harvard.

******* Ober [Fitzgerald's footnote]

---

75. To Reynolds office

Wire to Reynolds office 6 March 1922. St. Paul. (AO)

PLAY SENT SATURDAY THANKS FOR TWO HUNDRED AWFUL MESS IN CHECK BOOK CAN YOU DEPOSIT FOUR HUNDRED MORE IMMEDIATELY WILL RETURN IT WHEN ARRIVE EAST THURSDAY
S SCOTT FITZGERALD.

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76. To Ober

ALS, 1 p. n.d.—received 13 March 1922. (AO)

626 Goodrich St. Paul.

Dear Mr Ober:

Thank you very much for the six hundred. I had got into somewhat of a mess due, I believe, to a raised check by an employee of a club here. I'm trying to trace down the matter. I had intended to leave for New York Tuesday but came down Tuesday afternoon with severe influenza. Will leave next Tuesday and will arrange to repay you $400.00 when I arrive in case Benjamin Button is not yet sold + paid for. I hope that will be all right. The play has no doubt reached you by this time.

As Ever
Scott Fitzg—

---

77. To Ober

ALS, 2 pp. n.d.—received 17 April 1922. (AO)

St. Paul, 626 Goodrich Ave

Dear Mr. Ober:

Your letter relieved me enormously. I was on the point of trying to raise some money to repay your very kind advance, having dispaired of selling Benjamin Button to anyone except the Smart Set. According to the memo you gave me I am still in your debt by $299 after counting the $900.00 from Benjamin Button, but as this is covered by 47 pounds [of] for English [money] sales + the $500.00 still due on The Beautiful + Damned. I would like to let it stand until I send you a story if it is all right with you.

I have at last finished the revision of the play to my own satisfaction. Harris already has Act I + I will send him acts II and III direct with instructions to consult you when (and if) he is willing to talk business. Meanwhile I am working on that scenario for Selznick which should be finished early next week.

Sincerely
F Scott Fitzgerald

---

78. To Fitzgerald

Wire to Fitzgerald c. 19/20 April 1922. Fitzgerald pasted this telegram in his scrapbook.

BEAUTIFUL WARNER BROS OFFER TWENTY FIVE HUNDRED CASH* SAY SUCCESS PROBLEMATICAL THIS A LOW OFFER BUT BEST WE CAN GET WIRE DECISION HAROLD OBER.

Notes:

* For The Beautiful and Damned.

---

79. To Reynolds office

Wire to Reynolds office 20 April 1922. St. Paul. (AO)

WOULD THEY GIVE SMALL PERCENTAGE IN ADDITION BECAUSE OF LOW PRICE ACCEPT BEST OFFER ANYWAY IF YOU THINK ADVISABLE
F SCOTT FITZGERALD.

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80. To Ober

ALS, 1 p. n.d.—received 22 April 1922. (AO)

Dear Mr Ober:

I'm glad Metropolitan has paid up—and enormously relieved.

About the play. I'm sending one copy today to Wm Harris Jr. + one to the Theatre Guild who seem to be interested. No one has seen it but Miller. Within two or three days I'm going to finish my scenarios for Selznick + will tell him to get in touch with you if interested.

I just had two copies of the play made this time. Told Harris to phone you when he came to a decision

As Ever
F. Scott Fitzgerald

626 Goodrich Ave. St Paul Minn

---

81. To Ober

ALS, 3pp. n.d.—received 1 May 1922. (AO)

626 Goodrich Ave. St Paul, Minn Dear Mr. Ober:

I am returning the Warner Bros. contract. Will you let me know as soon as the money is deposited. I note the extra money and I suppose it's the best arrangement we can make.*

Now as to another matter. I sent David O. Selznick a fifteen hundred word synopsis of a movie. If he accepts it he is to write to me and in that case I will wire you. I'm pretty sure he will accept it and here's what I wish you'd do as soon as I wire you. If you would draw up a contract stating the following things:

(1.) That David Selznick (or The Selznick pictures) desire to order from me an eight thousand word story, based on the synopsis submitted under the name [Selznick Com] “Trans-continental Kitty.”

(2) That they agree to pay $2500 apon the delivery of the story— That is apon sight of it—without looking at it. (I talked with Selznick + I think $2500.00 is a fair price—at least its the best he'd give. Also I told him what I'm writing here and I believe he understood me.)

(3) That I agree to deliver the story within three weeks from his notification to me that he approves the synopsis and is willing to order, or contract for, the complete story.

This is mixed up but no doubt you know what I mean. It's simply that when I start I want to know I'm going to get cash on delivery from him, as the synopsis should give him the material for definately making up his mind. The story will be up to specifications,

If this works out I'm going to do more of this same work as it means just about twice as much money per story, and as it seems unlikely that the satyrical short stories I feel moved to write at present (Ben Button + The Diamond in the Sky, for instance) will [never] ever bring me any movie money.

Meanwhile I am about half way through a travel article for the Post—not one of the European series but the account of a tour south.**

So when you get a wire from me that Selznick wants the story you will know that means to get in touch with him + draw up a contract.

As Ever
F Scott Fitzgerald

I have no word about my play either from Harris or the Guild

Notes:

* The Warner Brothers contract for The Beautiful and Damned stipulated $2,500, plus a bonus of $1,250 contingent upon movie receipts grossing more than $250,000.

** “The Cruise of the Rolling Junk,” Motor, February, March, April 1924.

---

82. To Reynolds office

Wire to Reynolds office 1 May 1922. St. Paul. (AO)

DO YOU THINK MONEY CAN BE DEPOSITED BY WEDNESDAY OR IF NOT WHEN PLEASE WIRE F SCOTT FITZGERALD.

---

83. To Reynolds office

Wire to Reynolds office 2 May 1922. St. Paul. (AO)

ANXIOUS TO KNOW ABOUT WARNER MONEY PLEASE WIRE F SCOTT FITZGERALD.

---

84. To Reynolds office

Wire to Reynolds office 3 May 1922. St. Paul. (AO)

IF WARNER CANNOT DEPOSIT TWELVE HUNDRED BY THURSDAY NIGHT WIRE ME F SCOTT FITZGERALD.

---

85. To Ober

ALS, 1 p. n.d.—May 1922. (AO)

626 Goodrich Ave. St Paul, Minn

Dear Mr. Ober:

Your letter telling me of the deposit made is at hand. Thanks very much. I have not yet heard from Harris, Selznick or The Theatre Guild.

As Ever F Scott Fitzgerald

---

86. To Reynolds office

Wire to Reynolds office 10 May 1922. St. Paul. (AO)

PLEASE ASK FOR IMMEDIATE DECISION FROM DAVID WALLACE OF WILLIAM HARRIS JUNIOR IF HE DOES NOT WANT PLAY OBTAIN MANUSCRIPT FROM HIM EXPECT TO HEAR FROM SELZNICK TODAY
F SCOTT FITZGERALD.

---

87. To Ober

ALS, 1 p. (AO)

626 Goodrich Ave. St Paul, Minn

May 11th, 1922

Dear Mr. Ober:

Much to my dissapointment Selznick didn't care for the synopsis. I told him to send it to you. Viola Dana * of Metro might possibly like it but I don't suppose its worth trying and if you agree with me that it isn't you might as well send it on here.

I also wrote you to get an answer from Harris about the play. If he rejects it and makes any specific critisism let me know.

My travel article for the Post is almost done.

As Ever F Scott Fitzgerald

Notes:

* Actress who starred in The Chorus Girl's Romance (“Head and Shoulders”) and The Offshore Pirate.

---

88. To Ober

ALS (pencil), 1 p. n.d.—May 1922. St. Paul. (AO)

Dear Mr. Ober:

Your letter depresses me. Didn't Wallace even grant me the courtesy of returning the play on his own account?

Will you send it to me here? Selznick will send you the synopsis. Read it if you will.

Sincerely F Scott Fitzgerald

---

During the summer of 1922 the Fitzgeralds moved from Goodrich, Avenue in St. Paul to the Yacht Club at White Bear Lake.

---

89. To Ober

ALS, 1 p. n.d.—received 12 June 1922. (AO)

F. SCOTT FITZGERALD
HACK WRITER AND PLAGIARIST
[SAINT PAUL] MINNESOTA [Printed letterhead.]

Dear Mr. Ober:

Thanking you for your letter telling me of the deposit. I am sending you a two part travel article for the Post next Monday. It runs well over twenty thousand words. But it is about an automobile trip from Conn. to Ala. The European articles havn't materialized yet.

Note my zazzy stationary—the heading I mean. Do you think Viola Dana would be interested in that movie. She played my other two, you know. The Theatre Guild finally turned down the play. I'm going to revise it.

As Ever F Scott Fitzgerald

New address White Bear Yatch Club. White Bear Lake Minn.

---

90. To Ober

ALS, 1 p. n.d.—received 24 June 1922. (AO)

Dear Mr Ober:

I've sent you under another cover a 25,000 word touring serial, humorous throughout, for the Post. I think they could run it as a 3 part thing in which case it'd be nice to get $2500.00 for it. If they can use it at all it seems to me it should be worth two thousand at least but of course any price you agree on will be O K with me. It is almost half again as long as The Popular Girl for which, you remember, they paid $1500. They have my permission to cut anything that displeases them—there may be a few little touches they might be afraid of but cutting them wouldn't interfere in the least with the story. My address is The Yatch Club, White Bear Lake, Minnesota.

As Ever F. Scott Fitzgerald

---

91. To Ober

ALS, 1 p. n.d.—June 1922. White Bear Lake, Minn. (AO)

Dear Mr. Ober:

Glad you like The Rolling Junk. If Lorimer wants to make any changes tell him to go ahead.

The movie rights to This Side of Paradise are not tied up. Several people have nibbled at it. I was told some months ago that Marylyn Miller* was considering buying it for Jack Pickford but nothing developed.

Sincerely
F Scott Fitzgerald

Notes:

* Musical comedy star, married to Jack Pickford.

---

92. To Reynolds office

Wire to Reynolds office 25 June 1922. White Bear Lake, Minn. (AO)

WOULD NOT LIKE TO MAKE OUTRIGHT SALE WRITING F SCOTT FITGERALD.

---

93. To Ober

ALS (pencil), 2pp. n.d.—late June 1922. (AO)

Dear Mr. Ober—

As I wired you I don't think I'd want to sell Head + Shoulders outright. I've several times been on the point of trying to make a play of it + have hesitated only because its already been a movie. Would he* possibly interested in a royalty arrangement. He's a clumsy butcher any how.

In regard to The Cruise of the Rolling Junk. I believe it could be advantageously cut in several places—so if the Post want to cut it tell them to go ahead or I will cut it myself in the proof. I refer to the part about my father's civil war adventures. My new book Tales of the Jazz Age. Is to be published in the fall. None of the 11 stories or playlets in it have been sold to the movies and I'm hoping that some of them may get bid for when its in book form. It includes:

The Jellybean
The Camel's Back
May Day  (Novellette in Smart Set in 1920)
Porcelain + Pink (Playlet   “ “ “ “ “)
Diamond as Big as the Ritz
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Tarquin of Cheepside (Smart Set)
Oh Russet Witch
The Lees of Happiness
Mr. Icky (Playlet in “)
Jemima (Vanity Fair)

I am not republishing The Popular Girl or Two for a Cent as I never cared much for them.

I'm working over my old comedy + intend starting another.

As Ever F Scott Fitzgerad

Notes:

* Probably playwright Bayard Veiller, who made an offer.

---

94. To Ober

ALS, 1 p. n.d.—early July 1922. “Hack Writer and Plagiarist” letterhead. (AO)

Dear Mr Ober—

I'll send the photographs Monday. Can you do this for me? Send me a list of all my stories sold to English magazines—four or five I think—and the dates they were sold or published? I'm getting up a record of ill my work. Am now revising my play.

As Ever F Scott Fitzgerald

The Yatch Club, White Bear Lake, Minn.

---

95. To Ober

ALS (pencil and ink), 1 p. n.d.—c. 13 July 1922. White Bear Lake, Minn. (AO)

Dear Mr. Ober:

It was quite a blow about The Rolling Junk.* However, if you'll send it to me immediately as I'm wiring you, I think I can cut out 2000 words and improve it enormously. Will send it back within a week. Scribners might like it but doubt if they'd pay over $500.00 for it. I imagine Hearst is best. Have had picture sent you.

Sincerely
F Scott Fitzgerald

P.S. Will you send me a list of all my stories that have been sold in England? What magazines they were sold to + how much was recieved. Sorry to bother you but am keeping a complete record of my stuff.
FS. F.

Notes:

* The Saturday Evening Post rejected the article.

---

96. To Reynolds office

Wire to Reynolds office 13 July 1922. White Bear Lake, Minn. (AO)

PLEASE SEND ROLLING JUNK HERE IMMEDIATELY WANT TO REVISE IT F SCOTT FITZGERALD.

---

97. To Ober

ALS, 1 p. n.d.—received 24 July 1922.

Dear Mr. Ober:

Thanks for the information about my stories in England. By now you have recieved that offer for Benjamin Button.

Am returning the Rolling Junk. Perhaps Collier's could use it— or McClures. The Auto paper you mention wouldn't pay much would they. I think almost anything would be better than the Metropolitan until they get on their feet. What did you tell Bayard Vieller.

As Usual F Scott Fitzgerald

The Yatch Club White Bear Lake, Minn.

---

98. To Ober

ALS, 1 p. n.d.—received 28 July 1922. (AO)

The Yatch Club, White Bear Lake.

Dear Mr. Ober:

I'll try to write Hovey * a story early in August. Hope he'll pay promptly. I told Scribner to send you two pictures more. [Thanks] Have been correcting proof on my fall story collection.

As Ever F Scott Fitzgerald

Notes:

* Carl Hovey, editor of Metropolitan Magazine.

---

99. To Ober

ALS, 1 p. n.d.—received 21 August 1922. (AO)

The Yatch Club, White Bear Lake

Dear Mr. Ober:

Sorry they didn't take Benjamin Button.* I am writing a story for the Metropolitan now which should reach you this month. What has become of The Rolling Junk?

Sincerely
F Scott Fitzgerald

Notes:

* Offer unidentified—possibly for movie.

---

100. To Reynolds office

Wire to Reynolds office 26 August 1922. White Bear Lake, Minn. (AO)

ARTICLES FOR MCCALLS * WILL REACH YOU THURSDAY OR FRIDAY F SCOTT FITZGERALD.

Notes:

* Probably “Does a Moment of Revolt Come Sometime to Every Married Man?” Sold to McCall's in 1922 but published March 1924. Companion articles by Fitzgerald and Zelda.

---

101. To Reynolds office

Wire to Reynolds office 31 August 1922. St. Paul. (AO)

MCCALL ARTICLE CANNOT REACH YOU BEFORE TUESDAY F SCOTT FITZGERALD.

---

102. To Ober

ALS (post card), n.d.—postmarked 6 September 1922. (AO)

New Adress The Commodore Hotel , St. Paul, Minn

Dear Mr. Ober:

By now the article has reached you. It runs somewhat over the specified length but I am against charging them extra. Any dope on The Rolling Junk?

Sincerely F Scott Fitzgerald

---

103. To Mr. Paul Revere Reynolds

ALS, 1 p. n.d.—received 11 September 1922. (AO)

New adress The Commodore Hotel, St. Paul, Minn

Dear Mr. Reynolds:

I spent a month on The Rolling Junk + while I realize that technicccally it isn't a success still I should hate to let it go for two hundred dollars. I think on the whole you'd better send it back + perhaps in a month or so I can manage to turn it into a short story or else incorporate it some day into a longer piece.

I hope McCalls liked the article. The story for The Metropolitan should reach you on the 13th or 14th.*

Incidentally I was amused at Sell's kind offer of publicity. Publicity won't pay the rent. It's a wonder he doesn't charge for publishing a story. Its as if a coffee company came to him + said.

“We can't pay you anything for your space but we can give you some damn good ads.”

I know that the magazines want only flapper stories from me— the trouble you had in disposing of Benjamin Button + The Diamond as Big as the Ritz showed that.

Sincerely F Scott Fitzgerald

Notes:

* “Winter Dreams,” Metropolitan Magazine, December 1922.

---

104. To Reynolds office

Wire to Reynolds office 13 September 1922. St. Paul. (AO)

IF MCCALLS HAS TAKEN THE ARTICLE CAN YOU DEPOSIT NINE HUNDRED DOLLARS FOR ME WHEN YOU RECEIVE THIS TELEGRAM PERIOD IN ANY EVENT PLEASE WIRE ME CARE OF COMMODORE   HOTEL   STPAUL   WHETHER  OR   NOT  THEY   ARE TAKING IT PERIOD STORY FOR METROPOLITAN WILL REACH YOU MONDAY AT THE LATEST SCOTT FITZGERALD*

Notes:

* A note at the bottom in Ober's hand reads: “We havent enough money to do this get it from McCalls?”

---

105. To Mr. Paul Revere Reynolds

ALS, 1 p. n.d.—received 19 September 1922. (AO)

The Commodore Hotel, St. Paul, Minn.

Dear Mr. Reynolds:

The wire came and I want to thank you very much for making that deposit. If McCalls does not take the article I will of course return it immediately.

The Rolling Junk came + I think I can see my way clear to making something of it. Will you send me the list of the magazines that have refused it so I can keep the remaining market in mind while working on it. Story for Hovey leaves here Monday.

Sincerely. F Scott Fitzgerald

---

In September 1922 Fitzgerald's second book of short stories, Tales of the Jazz Age, was published by Scribners.

In October 1922 the Fitzgeralds moved to Great Neck, Long Island, in order to be closer to the New York scene for the production of The Vegetable

---

106. To Ober

ALS (pencil), 1 p. n.d.—October/November 1922. (AO)

Great Neck, Long Island

Dear Mr. Ober:

I think the two people to try with this shortened version of the Rolling Junk are Century or Scribners. It was originally 25,000 words, then I cut it to 21,000 and now to 17,000. Scribners, of course, would be interested in anything of mine but then Van Doren* of Century has written very favorable reviews of my books +, I have heard, is paying good prices. Perhaps it would be better to try him first. All the very literary crowd have an exaggerated notion of my popular appeal. By the way I am sending you a copy of Tales of the Jazz Age which has sold almost 18,000 copies—pretty good for short stories. The above adress will find me for the next year. When Hovey's check comes due will you deposit any balance in the Chatham + Phenix, 30th St, + let me know.

As Ever F Scott Fitzgerald

Perhaps the 1st page of enclosure should be retyped. It got rumpled a little in moving**

I would not care to take less than $500.00 for this but would rather let it go at that price than work on it any more.***
FSF.

Notes:

* Carl Van Doren.

** This addition was crowded into the lower left corner of the letter.

*** This addition was written along the left margin of the letter.

---

107. Inscription to Harold Ober

For Harold Ober
who fathered
The Camel's Back
Benjamin Button
The Diamond as Big as the Ritz
The Jellybean
The Lees of Happiness
+
The Russet Witch
from his gratefully
F Scott Fitzgerald
(Note the table of contents)

Inscription in Tales of the Jazz Age. (AO)

---

108. To Ober

ALS (pencil), 1 p. n.d.—received 11 December 1922. Great Neck. (AO)

Dear Ober:

Here's the scenario for Viola Dana. Will you destroy the version you have?*

When you have this typed send me a carbon please.

I'm sure its best not to try the Metropolitan on this story.** Its pretty bad stuff on second thots, but I still think it will make a magnificent movie,

Sincerely
F Scott Fitzgerald

Notes:

* Probably a revision of “Trans-Continental Kitty.”

** Ober wrote “Recklessness” at the bottom of this letter. This story was not published as “Recklessness” and has not been identified. It may possibly be “Dice, Brass Knuckles & Guitar,” Hearst's International Magazine, May 1923.

---

109. To Ober

ALS, 3pp. (AO)

Great Neck, L. I.

Dec 29th, 1922

Dear Mr. Ober:

I am enclosing you herewith the letter from Ray Long.* As you see, including the option it amounts to $1750.00 a story which seems to me a fair price.

I am all for accepting it just as it stands with a few reservations to be noted later. If I felt sure that I was going to give them what they want I might ask a little more but I am not sure that I can so I feel strongly against asking any more. Long himself is not particularly sold on my stuff—it is Hovey's doing + I know he got Long up to this price with some difficulty. I'm going to do these stories without fail during 1923 and if they're as good as I'll try to make them I'm sure I can jump to $2,500 in 1924. But I don't feel enough confidence in my ability to write popular fiction to force the price now. I don't want to dissapoint them as I did the Metro people in 1920. And Norman Hapgood, ** I know, is positively hostile to my stuff.

Confidentially I know the Post only pays Ring Lardner $1500 a story so I doubt if they'd pay me more. And I'm not awfully keen about writing fiction for McCaulls. Had you any definate agreement with Colliers? And has the Metropolitan business come out all right?

At any rate when you give him this contract + he pays you will have $1,050 coming + I will have $450.00. If you could deposit $200.00 of that Tues. morning I would be enormously obliged.

The first story for them will reach you Tuesday morning.

Another reason for signing is this—I doubt very much if my new novel will be able to be serialized at all—I'm not even sure I'll want to do it.***

Now, here are my reservations—all of which, no doubt they'll agree to.

(1.) If they do not serialize my new novel or if it is not offered anywhere for serialization they have no claim whatsoever on its movie rights

(2.) Have they any claims on second serial story rights?

(3.) They have no claim on movie rights of stories they refuse.

(4.) This means only six stories offered, doesn't it? I take it to do so.****

**************

I guess this is all on this subject unless you know any vital reason why it shouldn't go through.

Now about Viola Dana. I'm in favor of wiring Metro Scenario dept. immediately + asking for $5000.00 which seems a fair price and asking an immediate reply. From my experience the more they wait the more reasons against it they find and if they inquire for a price a big one may scare them off. She's evidently interested and I feel that this is the psychological time + 5000.00 the psychological amount of money. Called you today + couldn't get you.

Sincerely F Scott Fitzgerald

Notes:

* On 26 December 1922 Fitzgerald contracted with Cosmopolitan for an option on all his stories written during 1923. Although this contract was with Hearst's Cosmopolitan, the stories were all published in Hearst's International Magazine. Under the terms of the agreement, Cosmopolitan was to accept at least six stories. Cosmopolitan paid $1,500 for the option and agreed to pay $1,875 for each story. The following stories were submitted under this arrangement: “Dice, Brass Knuckles & Guitar” (International), “Hot and Cold Blood” (International), “Our Own Movie Queen” (declined), and “One of My Oldest Friends” (declined). “The Sensible Thing” and “Rags Martin-Jones and the Pr-nce of W-les” were paid for by International but were later returned, and “Diamond Dick and the First Law of Woman” and “The Baby Party” were accepted in their place.

** Editor of Hearst's International Magazine.

*** Fitzgerald was beginning work on The Great Gatsby (1925).

**** Ober noted here: “Unless you write more than 6 during 1923”.

---

Fitzgerald's total earnings for 1922 were $25,135. He sold four stories ($2,790). This Side of Paradise earned $1,200; The Beautiful and Damned, $12,133; Flappers and Philosophers, $350; Tales of the Jazz Age, $3,056.

---

110. To Reynolds office

Wire to Reynolds office 16 March 1923. Montgomery. (AO)

NEW HEARST STORY * HALL DONE CAN YOU DEPOSIT FIVE HUNDRED FOR ME IMMEDIATELY IF NOT CONVENIENT WIRE ME CARE A D SAYRE 6 PLEANSANT AVENUE MONTGOMERY ALABAMA
T SCOTT FITZGERALD.

Notes:

* Probably “Hot and Cold Blood,” Hearst's International Magazine, August 1923.

---

111. To Ober

ALS, 1 p. n.d.—received 22 March 1923. (AO)

6 Pleasant Ave. Montgomery, Ala

Dear Mr. Ober:

Thanks very much for the deposit. The story will be along in a day or so.

Do you remember that $1250.00 bonus for the “Beautiful and Damned” movie? I have an idea its passed the set amount as its done very well financially. Perhaps it would be well to get in touch with them about it.

I havn't done anything about “Recklessness” as I've been working on my play which Scribners publishes April 15th

Sincerely F Scott Fitzgerald

---

112. To Ober

ALS, 1 p. n.d.—received 30 March 1923. (AO)

6 Pleasant Ave Montgomery, Ala

Dear Mr. Ober:

The Vegetable is my old play entirely revised. It won't be published until about the 15th. I hope someone will want to produce it. I am a little bit stuck on my Hearst story but I'll probably get it straightened out in a day or so.

Hope Warner Brothers will play fair on The B. + D. Heaven knows they got it cheap and it was one of their own men who told me how it was packing them in on the coast.

As Ever F Scott Fitzgerald

---

113. To Ober

ALS, 1 p. n.d., n.p.—received 17 April 1923. Montgomery. (AO)

Dear Mr. Ober:

I got into an awful jam with my play proofs and the story's delayed again. I'll have it sure by Saturday. Meanwhile as some money came in I return the $1000.00 you were good enough to advance me on it. It's a good story but needs one more revamping.

Thanks enormously. See you Sat.

Sincerely F Scott Fitzgerald

---

114. To Ober

ALS, 1 p. n.d.—April/May 1923. (AO)

Great Neck, Long Island.

Dear Mr. Ober—

I'd like to see Bercovici* any time you say—that is any time after 11 oclock any morning after Thursday. I hope he hasn't lost interest

Sincerely F Scott Fitzgerald

Notes:

* Gordon Bercovici, one of two brothers interested in producing Fitzgerald's playlet Porcelain and Pink on the vaudeville circuit.

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115. To Ober

ALS, 1 p. n.d.—April/May 1923. (AO)

Great Neck, L.I.

Dear Mr. Ober—

I'm terribly sorry about missing Bercovici that morning. I had a bad case of grippe brought on by getting tight Thursday night, was in bed until yesterday and find I missed all sorts of important engagements both Sat. and Mon.

I hope you closed with him all right. I'm still anxious to talk to him, if he's not totally disgusted with me for breaking the engagement, because I've got several ideas that might aid him in mounting the skit. Enclosed is that story.* Hovey tells me Ray Long liked it.

Sincerely   Ashamed   of   my negligence, I am Yours F Scott Fitzgerald

Have there been any movie nibbles on “Dice, Brass Knuckles?”

Notes:

* 'Hot and Cold Blood.”

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116. To Harold and Ann Ober

For Harold + Ann in memory of of a happy sunday
F. Scott Fitzgerald

Inscription in The Vegetable, April 15, 1923.

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117. To Ober

ALS, 1 p. n.d.—received 18 May 1923. (AO)

Great Neck, L.I.

Dear Mr. Ober—

I was away last week so I wasn't able to get to those rehearsals.* I'm awfully sorry I missed them.

Anything further on The Beautiful and Damned? I'm determined to make Warner Bros pay up more because they so mutilated the picture than for the money itself.

Sincerely F Scott Fitzgerald

Notes:

* Possibly for Porcelain and Pink.

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118. To Ober

ALS, 1 p. n.d.—received 21 June 1923. (AO)

Great Neck, L.I.

Dear Mr. Ober—

I suppose we'll have to take Warner's word for the B. + D. gross and perhaps its accurate. Am writing my novel for Hearst's magazine I think we should ask at least $25,000 for serial rights.

Did the Porcelain + Pink vaudeville sketch come to anything?

Sincerely F Scott Fitzgerald

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119. To Ober

ALS (ink and pencil), 1 p. n.d.—received 12 November 1923. (AO)

Great Neck, L.I.

Dear Mr. Ober:

On rereading this story * it doesn't seem good. I started it with one mood and plot and finished it with another and somewhere in between there is a joint that shows. However I have cut about 1800 words out of it and I think its somewhat better.

I have another one half one and meanwhile I will bring in the monagamy article** either tommorrow noon or early Monday Morning

Sincerely
F Scott Fitzgerald

P. S. This had better be retyped.

Notes:

* Possibly “The Sensible Thing,” Liberty, 5 July 1924—or “Diamond Dick and the First Law of Woman,” Hearst's International Magazine, April 1924.

** “Making Monogamy Work”—syndicated under various titles; for example, “Why Blame It on the Poor Kiss If the Girl Veteran of Many Petting Parties Is Prone to Affairs After Marriage?” in the New York American, 24 February 1924.

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On 19 November 1923 Fitzgerald's play The Vegetable opened and closed at Nixon's Apollo Theatre in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

Fitzgerald's total earnings for 1923 were $28,759.78. He sold six stories ($7,492.50). This Side of Paradise earned $880; Flappers and Philosophers, $98; The Beautiful and Damned, $292; Tales of the Jazz Age, $270.43. He received an advance of $3,939 on The Great Gatsby, and Famous Players paid $10,000 for movie rights to This Side of Paradise, though the film was never made.

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WHO'S WHO

Harold Ober (1881–1959) was Fitzgerald’s agent for magazine writings. Most of Fitzgerald’s income came from the magazines, and through Ober’s efforts The Saturday Evening Post paid Fitzgerald his peak price of $4,000 per story in 1929. Ober received a ten-percent fee. The Ober-Fitzgerald financial relationship was complex with Ober acting as Fitzgerald’s banker, making interest-free loans against unsold and even unwritten stories. The Obers became Scottie’s surrogate parents during her prep-school and Vassar years. Fitzgerald broke with Ober in 1939 over the agent’s refusal to commence a new cycle of loans after Fitzgerald had paid his debts.

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Published as book in 1973.

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Перевод: «Твой Скотт Фитц…»: Переписка Ф. Скотта Фицджеральда и литературного агента Гарольда Обера.

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