F. Scott Fitzgerald, a renowned American novelist and short story writer, is best known for his works portraying the glamorous and decadent Jazz Age of the 1920s. His most famous book, “The Great Gatsby,” is still widely celebrated as a literary classic today. As an author during his time, Fitzgerald accumulated considerable wealth, making examining his net worth an exciting topic.
Fitzgerald published four novels, four story collections, and 164 short stories. According to financial estimates, his annual income would equal roughly $500,000 in modern currency in his prime. This substantial sum highlights the success and impact of his works during a vibrant and transformative period in American history.
Although F. Scott Fitzgerald’s exact net worth in 2023 remains under review, it is clear that his success as a prominent author during the Jazz Age provided him with a comfortable lifestyle. Combining his literary accomplishments with the lucrative income he earned throughout his career offers insight into the wealth and prestige of being a celebrated writer of his time.
Content of This Article
- F. Scott Fitzgerald’s Appearance
- Facts About F. Scott Fitzgerald
- F. Scott Fitzgerald’s Net Worth
- Early Life
- F. Scott Fitzgerald’s Career
- F. Scott Fitzgerald’s Controversies
F. Scott Fitzgerald’s Appearance (Height, Hair, Eyes & More)
| Height |
5 ft 8 in
1.73 m |
| Weight | N/A |
| Hair Color | Gray |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Body Type | Average |
| Sexual Orientation | Straight |
Facts About F. Scott Fitzgerald
| Nationality | American |
| Estimate Net Worth | $5 million |
| Religion | Roman Catholic |
| Zodiac Sign | Virgo |
| Birthplace | St. Paul, Minnesota |
| Birthday | September 24, 1896 |
F. Scott Fitzgerald’s Net Worth
F. Scott Fitzgerald had a net worth of $5 million. He is attributed with coining the term “Jazz Age,” which refers to the vibrant 1920s. Fitzgerald was a member of the “Lost Generation” and wrote several novels and short stories throughout his career.
Fitzgerald started his journey as a writer during his time at Princeton University. He became affiliated with the literary magazine Nassau Lit and the Triangle Club, which provided a platform for him to hone his writing skills. His first novel, “The Romantic Egotist,” was initiated during this time but was later rejected by publishers. However, Fitzgerald was not discouraged and continued improving his writing.
While at Princeton, Fitzgerald faced academic probation due to his love for writing and the arts, resulting in a lack of focus on his academics. Before moving on to Princeton, he attended the Newman School and had already shown his inclination towards literature.
Fitzgerald’s famous works include the completed novels, “This Side of Paradise,” “The Beautiful and Damned,” “The Great Gatsby,” and “Tender Is the Night.” He also had an unfinished novel, “The Love of the Last Tycoon,” published posthumously. Many of his works have been adapted into movies, increasing his popularity and net worth. For example, the 2013 “The Great Gatsby” adaptation garnered significant attention.
Despite his financial success in literature, Fitzgerald faced several challenges, such as alcoholism and strained relationships with other writers, notably Ernest Hemingway. However, his immense contribution to American literature and the net worth he generated cannot be denied.
F. Scott Fitzgerald remained a prominent figure in American literature throughout his life, and his written works continue to be celebrated and enjoyed. His net worth is a testament to his incredible talent and contribution to the literary world.
Early Life
Born on September 24, 1896, in St. Paul, Minnesota, Francis Scott Key Fitzgerald, better known as F. Scott Fitzgerald, grew up in an Irish Catholic family. His parents were Mary McQuillan, who hailed from a wealthy family, and Edward Fitzgerald, a furniture manufacturer. With Irish immigrant roots and an English-Irish-American ethnicity, young Fitzgerald had a diverse cultural background.
During his childhood, Fitzgerald’s family moved between St. Paul and Buffalo, New York, as his father’s business faced ups and downs. Ultimately, Edward secured a job with Proctor and Gamble, stabilizing the family’s financial situation.
Education
F. Scott Fitzgerald received his early education at St. Paul Academy as a child. Later, when the family moved to Buffalo, he attended Nardin Academy. Throughout his academic years, Fitzgerald became increasingly passionate about writing and literature.
Upon completing high school, Fitzgerald enrolled in Princeton University in 1913. Despite the brewing academic success, he eventually dropped out to join the army during the First World War.
From his humble background and turbulent educational experience, F. Scott Fitzgerald became one of the most influential writers of his time. His legacy, reflected in his powerful stories and novels, still inspires readers today.
F. Scott Fitzgerald’s Career
F. Scott Fitzgerald was an accomplished author, novelist, and short story writer. Born on September 24, 1896, in St. Paul, Minnesota, Fitzgerald produced many works during his lifetime. He authored four novels, namely The Great Gatsby (1925), This Side of Paradise (1920), Tender is the Night (1934), and The Last Tycoon (1941). In addition to these, Fitzgerald published other titles such as The Beautiful and the Damned (1922) and Tales of The Jazz Age (1922).
Fitzgerald’s work was particularly notable for contributing to the Modernist literary movement. Characterized by a break from traditional literary techniques and the search for new forms of expression, Modernism emerged as a major movement in the early 20th century. The novels and short stories created by Fitzgerald reflected a disillusionment and fragmentation characteristic of Modernist literature.
As a short story writer, Fitzgerald authored The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (1922), later adapted into a successful film. Moreover, he contributed many pieces to the prominent magazine Esquire during his career. His short stories and essays played a significant role in reflecting the flamboyance and excess of the Jazz Age, a term he popularized in his short story collection Tales of The Jazz Age (1922).
While the above-mentioned works were well-received by critics and readers alike, The Great Gatsby became the shining example of Fitzgerald’s literary prowess. The novel centered around the themes of romance, wealth, and the fallacy of the American Dream, making it an iconic piece of American literature.
Throughout his career, F. Scott Fitzgerald explored themes such as disillusionment, fragmentation, and societal change, making him an integral figure in the Modernist literary movement.
F. Scott Fitzgerald’s Controversies
F. Scott Fitzgerald, known for his work The Great Gatsby, also had a life marred by controversies, some deeply entwined with his personal life. These controversies partly originated from his experiences in Paris and Europe, where he became a central figure of the Lost Generation alongside other prominent writers and artists of the era.
One of the main controversies surrounding Fitzgerald was his destructive lifestyle, primarily fueled by alcoholism. His alcohol addiction began during his time at Princeton University and worsened throughout his life. This issue often resulted in public outbursts, violent behavior, and negative impacts on his relationships, particularly with his wife, Zelda Fitzgerald. Their tumultuous relationship had a significant influence on the portrayal of characters in his novels and, in a way, tarnished his reputation.
Fitzgerald’s marriage to Zelda was riddled with ups and downs. They married in 1920, despite objections from Zelda’s family due to Fitzgerald’s drinking problem and Catholic faith. Their passionate love often turned into violent arguments, affecting their social life and gathering attention from their friends and acquaintances. Zelda, in turn, struggled with mental health issues throughout their marriage.
One notable incident in their relationship concerns plagiarism accusations. Fitzgerald was known to borrow heavily from Zelda’s writings throughout their time together. He often used excerpts from her diary and letters in his novels, such as This Side of Paradise and The Beautiful and Damned. This eventually led to a conflict between the couple when Zelda started writing her own novel, Save Me the Waltz, causing Fitzgerald to feel threatened by the similarities between their works.
Fitzgerald’s controversies affected his career during the Great Depression. He blamed Zelda for his misfortune as he struggled to maintain his fame and reputation. They eventually separated as Fitzgerald left for California while Zelda stayed in Montgomery, Alabama, to seek treatment for her mental health issues. Fitzgerald then had an affair with movie columnist Sheilah Graham, further damaging his image.
In conclusion, the controversies surrounding Fitzgerald’s life played a significant role in his legacy in American literature. His complex personality, destructive tendencies, and tumultuous marriage were among the dark secrets behind the bright façade of his literary career. Despite being regarded as one of the most significant American writers, the controversies surrounding F. Scott Fitzgerald’s personal life remain a topic of interest and discussion amongst scholars and readers alike.
Net Worth of Other Notable Authors
Neil Gaiman’s Net Worth
Neil Gaiman, born on November 10, 1960, in Portchester, Hampshire, England, is a celebrated English author whose influence on literature spans across various genres, including fantasy, horror, and graphic novels. Gaiman’s storytelling prowess is showcased in acclaimed works such as “American Gods,” “Coraline,” and “The Sandman” series, which have not only captivated readers worldwide but also garnered him numerous awards, including the Hugo and Nebula Awards. His creativity extends beyond writing; Gaiman has made significant contributions to screenwriting and the arts, impacting other media through adaptations of his works into successful films and television series. Beyond his artistic endeavors, Gaiman is an eloquent speaker on the importance of reading and storytelling. His extensive career and multi-faceted contributions to both literature and entertainment illustrate the breadth of his talents and his dedication to his craft. As of 2023, Neil Gaiman’s net worth is estimated at around $18 to $20 million, reflecting his success across various creative platforms.
Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s Net Worth
Gabriel García Márquez, often revered as Gabo, was a luminary in the realms of literature, with his novels and short stories carving a permanent mark on the landscape of Latin American narrative arts. Born in Colombia, his unique style of magic realism infused his works with a rich tapestry of myth and reality, profoundly influencing the genre and earning him the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1982. His novels, including “One Hundred Years of Solitude,” “Love in the Time of Cholera,” and “The Autumn of the Patriarch,” not only gained critical acclaim but also enjoyed immense commercial success, contributing significantly to his financial status. At the time of his death, Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s net worth was estimated to be around $10 million, reflecting his monumental success as an author, journalist, and screenwriter.