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Born in St. Paul, Minnesota -
His first story, “The Mystery of the Raymond Mortgage” is published in his school paper -
Enters Newman School (New Jersey) preparatory school
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Enters Princeton University, begins writing for campus magazines and plays
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Leaves Princeton (on probation) enlists in the U.S. Army during World War I
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Stationed at Camp Sheridan in Alabama meets socialite Zelda Sayre, who becomes his future wife
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Marries Zelda Sayre soon after his first novel’s success -
Publishes his first novel, This Side of Paradise which brings him immediate fame -
His wife Zelda’s mental health deteriorates, he struggles with alcohol and finances
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Publishes his second novel, The Beautiful and Damned
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Publishes his most famous novel, The Great Gatsby -
Publishes Tender Is the Night, his last completed novel
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Moves to Hollywood to become a screenwriter; begins work on an unfinished novel, The Last Tycoon
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Dies of a heart attack in Hollywood at age 44
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His reputation grows The Great Gatsby becomes a central American literary classic