The Beautiful and Damned, published in 1922, is F. Scott Fitzgerald's poignant exploration of Jazz Age excess and the pitfalls of wealth and privilege. Set against the backdrop of 1910s New York City, it follows the lives of Anthony Patch and his wife, Gloria, as they descend into a whirlwind of extravagance, disillusionment, and moral decay. Fitzgerald paints a vivid portrait of a couple caught in the grip of their own desires, grappling with the fleeting nature of success and the destructive allure of hedonism. Through lush prose and captivating characters, the novel delves into the complexities of love, ambition, and the pursuit of happiness.