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The Perfect Hour: The Romance of F. Scott Fitzgerald and Ginevra King, His First Love
F. Scott Fitzgerald was a handsome, ambitious sophomore at Princeton when he fell in love for the first time. Ginevra King, though only sixteen, was beautiful, socially poised, and blessed with the confidence that considerable wealth can bring.
Their romance began instantly, flourished in heartfelt letters, and quickly ran its course–but Scott never forgot it. Now, for the...more
Their romance began instantly, flourished in heartfelt letters, and quickly ran its course–but Scott never forgot it. Now, for the...more
Hardcover, 240 pages
Published
February 1st 2005
by Random House
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In high school I did a research project about F. Scott Fitzgerald. I found a lot of information about his wife Zelda who intrigued me. She inspired many of Scott's works and was a lasting influence on his life.
This book exposes another influence, perhaps an even greater one because of how early Ginevra King met Scott Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald fell in love with the vivacious girl and shared a romance with her that helped shape his ideal woman.
The problem with this book is it's brevity. It details th...more
This book exposes another influence, perhaps an even greater one because of how early Ginevra King met Scott Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald fell in love with the vivacious girl and shared a romance with her that helped shape his ideal woman.
The problem with this book is it's brevity. It details th...more
This has been on my shelf for years and seeing Gatsby last night compelled me to read more about Ginevra King, the model for Daisy. To think if Fitzgerald had not remained in Saint Paul an extra night for a party, The Great Gatsby and so many of his stories would never have existed. He met Ginevra there and despite the fact that they spent only about 15 hours in each others' company over a year and a half, they had an intense epistolary relationship, and she forever remained a sort of key to his...more
A perfect partner to The Great Gatsby. The story of F. Scott Fitzgerald and his first and lost love is the story of Jay Gatsby and Daisy Buchanan. The real-life story overlaps with fiction to create one of the greatest novels of the 20th century, and this story explains the inspiration for one of America's most tortured authors.
I enjoyed this book. It provided a lot of basic background information on Fitzgerald and his writing. I would have enjoyed it more had it been more in-depth. However, if you are looking for a place to start, this book is a good introduction.
This is a book worth reading if you like Fitzgerald. And it seems to present an accurate portrayal of Ginevra King and their involvement. Even better, it has 2 short stories: stories that you know you mean to read but somehow would never find the time. That man could write!
Who knew heartbreak and obsession could be so constructive?
My college professor wrote this! I loved it!
It's definitely in the category of "light reading," but I thought that West does a nice job of delving into Fitzgerald's first love, which like many, is largely unrequited (if I remember correctly).
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Not as fascinating as the letters between F. Scott and Zelda, but Ginevra King was the actual model for Daisy in The Great Gatsby, which makes for some interesting reading.
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James L. W. West III, a native of Virginia, is Sparks Professor of English at Pennsylvania State University. West is a book historian, scholarly editor, and biographer. He has written books on F. Scott Fitzgerald and on the history of professional authorship in America and has held fellowships from the J. S. Guggenheim Foundation, the National Humanities Center, and the National Endowment for the...more
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