Francis Scott Key Fitzgerald, celebrated American novelist and short story writer, is widely regarded as one of the finest authors of the 20th century, notable for his depiction of the Jazz Age—a term he is credited with coining himself. Born on September 24, 1896, in St. Paul, Minnesota, Fitzgerald's literary prowess was evident from an early age, and he honed his craft at Princeton University, though he never graduated. His breakthrough came with 'This Side of Paradise' (1920), which instantly made him famous. Fitzgerald's most acclaimed novel, 'The Great Gatsby' (1925), remains a seminal work in American literature, lauded for its exploration of decadence, idealism, and the fallacies of the American Dream. His other notable works include 'The Beautiful and Damned' (1922) and 'Tender is the Night' (1934). Besides novels, Fitzgerald was a master of the short form, as displayed in 'My Lost City & Other Autobiographical Essays,' which provides insight into his life and times, reflecting his personal struggles and the ebbs and flows of his career. His lyrical style, marked by a keen social insight and a plaintive melancholy, captures the spirit of an era and the complexities of the human condition. Despite his literary success, Fitzgerald battled personal demons, struggling with alcoholism and financial difficulties. He died on December 21, 1940, leaving behind a legacy that continues to influence writers and culture to this day.