Allan Fitzgerald

Advantages: Thorough, in depth, wide ranging
Disadvantages: Expensive

..., and Martin Heidegger. Similarly, Augustine’s contributions toward topics that are of current (and recurring) interest such as social justice, war, suicide, contraception, etc. are explored. The book also includes tables Augustine’s works which show Latin titles, English translations, common abbreviations (very necessary for scholarship) and dates. Articles are cross-references, particularly with a view toward shared bibliographic information. The editor, Allan D. Fitzgerald is professor of patristics at the Augustinian Patristic Institute of Rome. He also is editor of 'Augustinian Studies' published by Villanova University. This is a truly monumental work that will find an honoured place in the library of any scholar.... Read review

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Advantages: Bitter-sweet, semi-autobiographical tale
Disadvantages: Slightly confusingly written at times

...This was the first book of Fitzgerald's I ever read. Most people began with Gatsby, or maybe some short stories, and so had a different perspective on the book, but I first read it knowing nothing about Fitzgerald and his life. Whilst initially the language and style was a little confused, once you become accustomed to it, it is a thoroughly enjoyable and entertaining book; albeit a little melodramatic. I was lucky enough to purchase a copy of this book with a comprehensive introduction, detailing the fact that Tender is the Night is semi-autobiographical, based on Fitzgerald's marriage to schizophrenic Zelda Sayre. This information is vital in understanding the themes in the book, and for understanding the way in which Fitzgerald describes the action in the book. The marriage was always unlikely to work, and initially Dick Diver... Read review

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Advantages: Very real drama, the reader gets caught up in the story
Disadvantages: Not as light and humorous as his other work

...My route into the work of Fitzgerald did not start as people often do with Gatsby, but I read a number of his short stories. The Diamond as Big as the Ritz and other stories, and The Basil and Josephine stories are light easy reads. The language and style of the twenties jazz era give a fun and frivolous atmosphere and reflects the stories which seems shallow frippery themselves. Even The Great Gatsby with its tragic conclusion does revel in the fun times of the age. Although I knew that Tender is the Night was semi-autobiographical based on Fitzgerald’s turbulent relationship with his schizophrenic wife Zelda Sayre, perhaps mis-guidedly I was expecting the novel to be approached in his signature style. However, this is a really deep and emotive story about two people spiralling out of control and dragging each other towards what... Read review

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