Francis Scott Key Fitzgerald, born on September 24, 1896, in St. Paul, Minnesota, remains one of the most celebrated authors of the 20th century. He is best known for his poignant exploration of the American Dream, particularly during the Jazz Age of the 1920s. Fitzgerald's life and work are often viewed as a reflection of the excesses and disillusionment of his time.

Fitzgerald's early life was marked by a privileged upbringing, with his father working as a successful businessman and his mother hailing from a wealthy family. He attended the prestigious Princeton University, where he began to hone his writing skills and develop his literary ambitions. However, his studies were interrupted by his enlistment in the U.S. Army during World War I, an experience that would deeply influence his writing.

Fitzgerald's literary career took off with the publication of his debut novel, "This Side of Paradise," in 1920, which captured the spirit of youth and ambition. His subsequent works, including "The Beautiful and Damned," "Tender Is the Night," and his magnum opus, "The Great Gatsby," solidified his reputation as a master of prose. "The Great Gatsby," in particular, is lauded for its intricate portrayal of wealth, love, and the American Dream, encapsulating the essence of the Roaring Twenties.

Despite his professional success, Fitzgerald's personal life was tumultuous. He married Zelda Sayre in 1920, and their relationship was marked by passion and instability, often exacerbated by financial difficulties and Zelda's mental health struggles. The couple's turbulent marriage and Fitzgerald's own battles with alcoholism contributed to his declining health and career.

F. Scott Fitzgerald died on December 21, 1940, in Hollywood, California, at the age of 44. Though he faced significant challenges during his lifetime, his work has continued to resonate, influencing countless writers and leaving an indelible mark on American literature. His exploration of the complexities of human experience and the pursuit of dreams ensures that Fitzgerald's legacy endures, making him a pivotal figure in literary history.