Resource person: Audra Bullard

Description:

Join CLE and Dr. Brian Railsback in one of Highlands’ many beautiful homes
for dinner and a lively literary discussion. This year we will explore the most talked about novel of 2025, even though it was first published on April 10, 1925: F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby. For Fitzgerald, his great novel was a major disappointment—it did not sell well. But after his death, his poor book achieved for him his greatest dream, as he wrote, “An author ought to write for the youth of his generation, the critics of the next, and the schoolmasters of ever afterward.” We will explore The Great Gatsby by asking the question: why did a book that should have been forgotten achieve the status of being the most celebrated novel by an American author? Along the way we will discuss how Fitzgerald, a hopeless alcoholic holed up at the Grove Park Inn in Asheville, managed in his last few years to change the literary trajectory of himself, his work, and The Great Gatsby.

Location: Private Residence. Details will be provided to regsitered participants a few days before the event. 

Presenter: Dr. Brian Railsback

Notes: Cancellation Policy (Please Read) Please let us know immediately if you are unable to attend a class. There is no refund for cancellations within two (2) weeks prior to a scheduled class. Programs that include food, beverage or art materials must be canceled within three (3) weeks prior in order to receive a refund. CLE reserves the right to cancel a program if the minimum enrollment has not been met or for circumstances beyond our control, and participants will be notified, a complete refund will be issued. All classes are held in the CLE Lecture Hall at the Peggy Crosby Center unless otherwise noted. In the event information has changed from the published brochure, it will be posted on our website and in our e-blasts. Addresses for “private home” venues will be provided to registrants within 2 days of the program date.

More information: Please Note: a 3% processing fee will be added to all credit card transactions

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