Readers and Authors: It's a Love/Hate Relationship

An "anti-fan letter" sent to F. Scott Fitzgerald in 1922:

F. Scott Fitzgerald:

Sir – I have read your story, "Benjamin Button," in Collier's, and I want to say that as a writer you are a good lunatic. I have seen many big pieces of cheese in my time, but you are the biggest, and I don't know why I waste this paper and my time on you, but I will.

Sincerely, Your Friend and Constant Reader.

[name redacted]

(via Conversations With F. Scott Fitzgerald, edited by Matthew J. Bruccoli and Judith S. Baughman)

Comments

[Books are my Boyfriends]

If I got this as an e-mail or a comment on el blog, I would be so happy, it would be like a birthday and Christmas present all rolled into one plus Valentine's Day flowers and Halloween candy. Amazing amazingness.

[Modern Garbage]

A hate letter? Nay, the reader was calling Fitzgerald a large piece of cheese, which really should be a compliment to anyone who isn't lactose intolerant.