Francis Scott Fitzgerald (1896-1940) was an American writer who is widely considered one of the greatest American writers of the 20th century. Born in St. Paul, Minnesota, Fitzgerald attended Princeton University and began writing short stories and articles for magazines such as The Saturday Evening Post and Collier's Weekly.

Fitzgerald's first novel, "This Side of Paradise," was published in 1920 and became an instant success. The novel, which explored the lives of young people in post-World War I America, established Fitzgerald as a major literary figure and a spokesman for the "Lost Generation."

In 1925, Fitzgerald published his masterpiece, "The Great Gatsby," which is now considered a classic of American literature. The novel explores themes of love, money, and the American Dream, and is set against the backdrop of the Jazz Age.

Fitzgerald's later works, including "Tender Is the Night" and "The Last Tycoon," were less successful than his earlier works, and he struggled with alcoholism and financial problems throughout his life. He died in Hollywood, California, in 1940, at the age of 44.

Despite his short life and troubled career, Fitzgerald's impact on American literature is profound. He is known for his poetic prose, his keen understanding of the human condition, and his ability to capture the spirit of an era. His works continue to be read and studied by scholars and readers alike, and he remains an enduring icon of American literature.