Working Titles of Famous Novels

How ‘Trimalchio in West Egg’ became ‘The Great Gatsby’ and other famous name changes

This article is free to read. So is every article Electric Literature publishes. No limits, no paywalls—now or ever. But we rely on your support to keep it that way.

We need to raise $35,000 by April 15 to keep the lights on, and time is running out. Donate today.

—————

If you’ve ever wondered if great authors struggle with titles, the answer is yes and Jonkers has created an infographic that proves it. Here are the original titles of some of literature’s most famous novels, and explanations for how the books ended up with the names that they have today. The list includes more than one close call, because A Thing That Happened just doesn’t have the same ring as Of Mice and Men.

Working titles of famous novels:
Pride and Prejudice: First Impressions
The Secret Garden: Mistress Mary
Little Dorrit: Nobody's Fault
The Great Gatsby: Trimalchio in West Egg
The Good Soldier: The Saddest Story
Lord of the Flies: Strangers from Within
Mein Kampf: Four and a Half Years of Struggle Against Lies, Stupidity and Cowardice
To Kill a Mockingbird: Atticus
Gone with the Wind: Tomorrow Is Another Day
Lolita: The Kingdom by the Sea
1984: The Last Man in Europe
Atlas Shrugged: The Strike
Of Mice and Men: Something That Happened
War and Peace: All's Well That Ends Well
Brideshead Revisited: A House of the Faith

More Like This

Quick, Playful Writing Exercises for When You’re Feeling Stuck

These unintimidating experiments will reinvigorate your writing when you need a breakthrough

Apr 14 - Ramona Ausubel

8 Books About Characters Seeking Community and Connection

These authors illustrate the complexity of finding our place in the world

Apr 14 - Wendy J. Fox

A Snow Globe Theory of the Short Story

“Day Care” author Nora Lange on writing while walking, notes we leave ourselves, and the mother as chimera

Apr 14 - Carole Maso
Thank You!