Overview

• Originally published on April 10, 1925, The Great Gatsby initially struggled with mixed reviews and poor sales before gaining recognition post-World War II.
• The novel's resurgence began when it was distributed to U.S. servicemen during WWII, leading to its inclusion in educational curricula and a place in the American literary canon.
• Centennial celebrations include live readings, exhibits, and tributes in St. Paul, Princeton, and New York City, with the Empire State Building illuminated in green to honor the novel’s iconic imagery.
• Multiple adaptations—from Broadway and film to television and musicals—have kept Gatsby relevant, with a recent 2024 musical adding a fresh perspective.
• The novel's enduring themes of the American Dream, social inequality, and ambition continue to resonate, drawing parallels to contemporary issues like wealth disparity and social media culture.