27 May 1922: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button is published

F. Scott Fitzgerald wrote his short story, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, at a time when his literary star was on the rise. His debut novel, This Side of Paradise, had been published to acclaim, cementing his reputation. Deeply engaged in the short story market, he was writing for magazines to support his lifestyle and relationship with Zelda.

The idea for Benjamin Button is reported as stemming from a whimsical remark by Mark Twain that life would be better if we aged in reverse. This concept fascinated Fitzgerald’s imagination and the story follows Benjamin, a man who ages backward through life. Born in 1860 as a 70-year-old, he confounds societal expectations by navigating life in reverse and physically growing younger as the years progress.

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button was first published in Collier’s Weekly on 27 May 1922 and later included in Fitzgerald’s short story collection Tales of the Jazz Age. The story’s whimsical and ironic tone fits well within the collection, which reflects the spirit and idiosyncrasies of the 1920s. Despite its imaginative premise, Benjamin Button received mixed reviews at the time. Some critics appreciated its inventiveness and humour, while others dismissed it as a lightweight fantasy unworthy of Fitzgerald’s talents.

Though not his most critically acclaimed piece, Benjamin Button reveals Fitzgerald’s flair for blending the fantastical with the profound, leaving readers to ponder the paradoxes of life and the passage of time.

Over the decades, the story has gained a stronger reputation. It is recognised as an example of Fitzgerald’s experimental spirit and his ability to blend satire with poignant observations on human life. Its enduring appeal has been bolstered by adaptations, most notably the 2008 film directed by David Fincher, which reimagined the narrative while introducing it to a new generation.