Flappers and Philosophers

Flappers and Philosophers contains some of Fitzgerald’s best early short stories, including Bernice Bobs Her Hair and The Offshore Pirate. First published in 1920, Flappers and Philosophers marked F. Scott Fitzgerald’s entry into the realm of the short story, in which he adroitly proved himself a master of the mechanism of short story technique (Boston Transcript). Several of his most beloved tales are represented in this collection of eight, including Bernice Bobs Her Hair and Head and Shoulders, with their particularly O. Henry-like twists; the poignant Benediction and The Cut-Glass Bowl; and The Offshore Pirate, the octet’s opening and most romantic story. It is a collection of masterful short works from an American literary icon that led The New York Times Book Review to note that [no one] can fail to recognize Mr. Fitzgerald’s talent and genius.

This edition includes:

-A concise introduction that gives readers important background information
-A chronology of the author’s life and work
-A timeline of significant events that provides the book’s historical context
-An outline of key themes and plot points to help readers form their own interpretations
-Detailed explanatory notes
-Critical analysis, including contemporary and modern perspectives on the work
-Discussion questions to promote lively classroom and book group interaction
-A list of recommended related books and films to broaden the reader’s experience