'The Great Gatsby' is a novel written by American author F. Scott Fitzgerald, published in 1925. Set in the Jazz Age of the 1920s, the story explores themes of wealth, love, and the American Dream through the life of Jay Gatsby and his desire for the elusive Daisy Buchanan. Fitzgerald's work is celebrated for its rich symbolism, intricate characters, and critique of American society's moral decline during the Roaring Twenties. The novel has become a classic of American literature, often studied for its insights into the human condition and cultural commentary.