Almost called Trimalchio

Fitzgerald wanted to name it after Trimalchio, a show-off party host in an ancient Roman story. He even calls Gatsby Trimalchio once.

The cover inspired the book

Francis Cugat's painting, Celestial Eyes, was ready before the novel was finished. Fitzgerald worked its imagery into the story.

It sold fewer than 20,000 copies in its first months, far less than Fitzgerald had hoped.

When Fitzgerald died in 1940, he believed he was a failure and his work was forgotten.

155,000 free copies were sent to American troops during World War II.

West Egg is based on Great Neck (Kings Point) and East Egg on Port Washington (Sands Point), on Long Island.

It is said to be inspired by a huge dump in Queens that later became Flushing Meadows–Corona Park.

Fitzgerald was named after Francis Scott Key, a distant cousin who wrote The Star-Spangled Banner.

The Great Gatsby

1/8
Almost called Trimalchio
Fitzgerald wanted to name it after Trimalchio, a show-off party host in an ancient Roman story. He even calls Gatsby Trimalchio once.
Source
2/8
The cover inspired the book
Francis Cugat's painting, Celestial Eyes, was ready before the novel was finished. Fitzgerald worked its imagery into the story.
Source
3/8
A flop at first
It sold fewer than 20,000 copies in its first months, far less than Fitzgerald had hoped.
Source
4/8
He never saw its success
When Fitzgerald died in 1940, he believed he was a failure and his work was forgotten.
Source
5/8
Saved by soldiers
155,000 free copies were sent to American troops during World War II.
Source
6/8
West Egg is real
West Egg is based on Great Neck (Kings Point) and East Egg on Port Washington (Sands Point), on Long Island.
Source
7/8
The valley of ashes
It is said to be inspired by a huge dump in Queens that later became Flushing Meadows–Corona Park.
Source
8/8
Named after an anthem
Fitzgerald was named after Francis Scott Key, a distant cousin who wrote The Star-Spangled Banner.
Source