Books by Edith Wharton

Widely regarded as one of Edith Wharton's greatest achievements, The Age of Innocence is not only subtly satirical, but also a sometimes dark and disturbing comedy of manners in its exploration of the 'eternal triangle' of love.

An extraordinarily well-observed dissection of New York's high society in the 1870s - the world Edith Wharton grew up in - The Age of Innocence shines a critical light on the social mores and values of the old order." Here presented with extra material and annotations.

HarperCollins is proud to present a range of best-loved, essential classics.'I want - I want somehow to get away with you into a world where words like that - categories like that - won't exist. Where we shall be simply two human beings who love each other, who are the whole of life to each other; and nothing else on earth will matter.'Newland Archer, a successful and charming young lawyer conducts himself by the rules and standards of the polite, upper class New York society that he resides in. Happily engaged to the pretty and conventional May Welland, his attachment guarantees his place in this rigid world of the elite.However, the arrival of May's cousin, the exotic and beautiful European Countess Olenska throws Newland's life upside down. A divorcee, Olenska is ostracised by those around her, yet Newland is fiercely drawn to her wit, determination and willingness to flout convention. With the Countess, Newland is freed from the limitations that surround him and truly begins to 'feel' for the first time.Wharton's subtle expose of the manners and etiquette of 1870s New York society is both comedic, subtle, satirical and cynical in style and paints an evocative picture of a man torn between his passion and his obligation.

The heroine of this novel is Lily Bart, whose goal is to secure a rich husband who can sustain her lifestyle. She operates in a world where social position is important, but money can buy it. Lily is redeemed by her clear view of the corrupt society which is her gilded cage.

Życie przedstawicieli amerykańskiej arystokracji zdaje się spokojne i radosne. W rzeczywistości za murami wystawnych domów często skrywa się zdrada, małżeńska przemoc, poczucie samotności, toksyczne relacje. A do tego niejednokrotnie przypominają o sobie duchy przodków lub dawnych mieszkańców. Ingerencja sił nadprzyrodzonych jednym bohaterom pomaga wyjść z opresji, a innym wymierza sprawiedliwość - zawsze jednak budzi przestrach czytelnika. Idealna lektura dla miłośników subtelnej grozy w stylu Mary E. Wilkins Freeman. Edith Wharton (1862-1937) - amerykańska pisarka specjalizująca się w opowieściach obyczajowych i grozy, zdobywczyni Nagrody Pulitzera, wielokrotnie typowana jako kandydatka do Nagrody Nobla. Pochodziła z zamożnej nowojorskiej rodziny i w swoich utworach portretowała głównie uprzywilejowane klasy społeczne. Interesowała się architekturą krajobrazu i wystrojem wnętrz, wyznaczała w tych dziedzinach nowe trendy. Jej powieści były wielokrotnie ekranizowane, między innymi przez Martina Scorsesego.

The classic short novel of love, deceit, and tragedy, Ethan Frome by Edith Wharton has been breaking hearts and shocking readers for over a century. Ethan Frome is a ruin of a man, aged and limping. Alienated from the other residents of desolate Starkfield, Massachusetts, he can barely draw a living from the stony soil of his family farm. For twenty-four years, Frome has held a secret in his heart: he loved not his waspish wife Zeena, but her young cousin Mattie, whom Zeena depended on for care. When an enigmatic newcomer arrives in Starkfield one frigid winter and takes pity on Frome, the tragic twist of Frome¿s love and desire, and the reason for his crippling injuries, are set to be revealed. Ethan Frome is a classic tragic love story. The inability of Ethan and Mattie to articulate their feelings save through gestures¿as small as a broken plate, as large as a horrific accident¿speak to the power of author Edith Wharton¿s gimlet eye. And the reversal of fortune in the denouement continues to shake readers over a century after it was written. Adapted as a film starring Liam Neeson and Particia Arquette in 1993, Ethan Frome has broken the hearts of generations of readers. The Mint Editions version of Ethan Frome features expressive cover art and contemporary typesetting, making it a fine addition to any bookshelf.

A dazzling exploration of social currency, love, and hypocrisy among the Gilded Age's upper crust, The House of Mirth is a classic novel that remains essential reading. Beautiful Lily Bart is a young New York socialite who enjoys everything that high society in the late 19th century has to offer. She receives plenty of interest from men, but has not yet felt compelled to marry. Although her strictly traditional Aunt Julia provides Lily with a fashionable address and other luxuries, her future livelihood is at risk if she does not commit to a wealthy man. At twenty-nine, Lily is nearing an age when her options may begin to run out. Fortunately, she is not without opportunity, as she has caught the attention of a rich bachelor named Percy Gryce. She has also attracted Lawrence Selden, a man she genuinely likes but discounts due to his limited means. With her penchant for gambling and a desire for true love without sacrifice, Lily soon finds herself outside of society's rules and tangled up in scandal. Wharton presents us with a tremendous novel of social realism that is rich in dramatic irony. It is as much an indictment of vicious double standards as it is a tragedy of self-delusion. For as hard as Lily tries to navigate the social snubs, malicious rumors and freewheeling sexuality of her peers, all her efforts to secure her own future grow increasingly out of reach. Originally published in 1905, The House of Mirth is still as engaging and relevant as when it was first introduced. The Mint Editions version of this classic book features expressive cover art and contemporary typesetting, making it a fine addition to any bookshelf.

Originally born in an impoverished community, Charity's parents sought out the most educated man in the nearby New England town to raise their daughter. After being surrendered to a lawyer named Royall, Charity was raised comfortably by Mr. Royall and his wife. However, when Mrs. Royall tragically passes away, Charity's relationship with Royall is threatened. After his wife's death, Royall begins to feel sexually attracted to Charity, and when she refuses him, their relationship becomes tense. Royall refuses to be close to her, sending proxies to take care of her. Upset and desperate to earn enough money to be able to move away and start a new life, Charity begins to work at the local library. There, she meets a young architect named Lucius, who is visiting the town to gather research for a book he is writing on colonial homes. When Charity offers to escort him around town, the two become very close, much to Royall's dismay. Intending to marry Charity himself, Royall does his best to keep the two apart, making sure that it is known that Lucius is not welcome in his home. Still, Charity and Lucius begin a passionate love affair, progressing to a physical relationship. With secret rendezvous and passionate promises, Charity falls head over heels, but when Lucius starts missing meetings and spending time with other women, Charity is forced to wonder if he is really the man she thought she knew. When she discovers information that turns her world upside down, Charity is inspired to revisit her roots to help her make a difficult choice. With themes of class, feminism, relationships, and sexual awakening, Summer by Edith Wharton was viewed as a controversial novel when it was first published. Now, over one-hundred years later, modern audiences can appreciate the complex class and gender struggles depicted in Summer without being scandalized by the erotic content. With the use of beautiful prose filled with rich imagery, Edith Wharton's Summer features a heart-wrenching narrative sure to keep readers engaged. Now printed in a modern, reader-friendly font, and featuring a stunning new cover design, this edition of Summer by Edith Wharton creates an accessible reading experience for contemporary audiences.

Undine Spragg is a beautiful and ambitious, yet vain and socially dense young woman with dreams of marrying a rich man. Hoping for a life of prominence and luxury, Undine convinces her family to relocate to New York. The Spragg family, who have a earned their modest wealth from shady practices, are happy to accommodate Undine's request. When Undine meets Ralph Marvell, an aspiring poet from a family of old New York high society, she is determined to become his wife. After a brief courtship, she gets her wish, however, Undine soon realizes that she is still unsatisfied. Though Ralph is a good husband-kind and doting, he does not have the money to support her extravagant lifestyle. While his family enjoys an elevated social status, it is mainly just reminiscent on a prior generation's wealth; Ralph's family does not possess a significant amount of money. Feeling judged by her in-laws and upset that she cannot purchase luxury items, Undine is unhappy in the marriage, feeling even worse after the birth of their son, Paul. Often neglectful of Paul, Undine begins an affair with an aristocrat named Peter. As their love affair intensifies, Undine becomes set on leaving Ralph, ignoring the possible consequences of being a divorcee in pursuit of money, sex, and social status. With narrative twists and memorable characters, The Custom of the Country by Edith Wharton is a fast-paced story that explores the nuances of American society. Through themes of class, lovely prose and intricate satire, The Custom of the Country pays special attention to the social class divides of 20th century America. While Wharton's novel allows modern readers to gain perspective on a specific era in America, contemporary audiences can also reflect on the ways this class system still effects social customs today. This edition of The Custom of the Country by Edith Wharton now features a new, eye-catching cover design and is printed in a font that is both modern and readable. These accommodations cater to a modern audience, allowing contemporary readers to enjoy the compelling narrative of The Custom of the Country with ease.

"Will writers ever recover that peculiar blend of security and alertness which characterizes Mrs. Wharton and her tradition?" -- E. M. ForsterThe Descent of Man and Other Stories offers the author's well-known depictions of upper class life in New York, but also exhibits her remarkable talent in tales of humorous irony, history and the supernatural.Originally published in 1904 The Descent of Man and Other Stories features the author's nuanced prose and sharply observed characters in a chain of unforgettable tales. In several Wharton examines marriage, which was frequently arranged in her era. The author digs deep into her characters to find what can hold a marriage together or slowly pull it apart. The difficulty of establishing and maintaining honest relations in a highly stratified and proper society is a consistent challenge for her characters, especially in the title story in which a man of principle finds himself misunderstood and forced to potentially compromise his beliefs. Wharton also affords glimpses into the trials of being an author, drawing both drama and humor from the profession. There's a chance to sample the author's ghostly fiction, which has long been appreciated by aficionados of the macabre. This is a showcase for the author's range of interests and for her remarkable ability to tell memorable stories that strike to the heart. Since our inception in 2020, Mint Editions has kept sustainability and innovation at the forefront of our mission. Each and every Mint Edition title gets a fresh, professionally typeset manuscript and a dazzling new cover, all while maintaining the integrity of the original book. With thousands of titles in our collection, we aim to spotlight diverse public domain works to help them find modern audiences. Mint Editions celebrates a breadth of literary works, curated from both canonical and overlooked classics from writers around the globe.

Chiltern Publishing creates the most beautiful editions of the World's finest literature.Your favorite classics in a way you have never seen them before; the tactile layers, fine details and beautiful colors of these remarkable covers make these books feel extra special and look striking on any shelf.The Age Of Innocence tells the story of a wealthy lawyer Newland Archer, who is engaged to sweet socialite May Welland in 1870s New York. On the surface, it is a perfect match. But when May's beautiful cousin Countess Ellen Olenska, who is estranged from her brutish husband, arrives in town, Newland begins to question the meaning of passion and love as he desperately pursues a relationship with Ellen, even though she has been made a social outcast by Archer's peers.

Showcasing a true-to-life and compelling menagerie of characters, Edith Wharton's 'Tales of Men and Ghosts' is an assortment of ten different uncanny, paranormal and tragic stories. While depicting vivid and fascinating characters, 'Tales of Men and Ghosts' also studies the social attitudes of 20th century society. Repressed sexuality, strained relationships and class distinctions are among the issues explored by Wharton. A bare bones exhibition of the vices of mankind is paraded by the characters, but it is presented without harsh criticism or judgement. This gives rise to a beautiful and enthralling collection of character sketches. Timelessly written prose, 'Tales of Men and Ghosts' is as relatable and enticing a masterpiece of gothic fiction as it was when it was first published.A perfect fit for fans of the American horror drama series 'Lovecraft Country'. Starring Jurnee Smollet, Jonathan Majors, Michael. K. Williams and Wunmi Mosaku.-

Penguin Readers is an ELT graded reader series. Please note that the eBook edition does NOT include access to the audio edition and digital book. Written for learners of English as a foreign language, each title includes carefully adapted text, new illustrations and language learning exercises.Titles include popular classics, exciting contemporary fiction, and thought-provoking non-fiction, introducing language learners to bestselling authors and compelling content.The eight levels of Penguin Readers follow the Common European Framework of Reference for language learning (CEFR). Exercises at the back of each Reader help language learners to practise grammar, vocabulary, and key exam skills. Before, during and after-reading questions test readers' story comprehension and develop vocabulary.The Age of Innocence, a Level 4 Reader, is A2+ in the CEFR framework. The text is made up of sentences with up to three clauses, introducing more complex uses of present perfect simple, passives, phrasal verbs and simple relative clauses. It is well supported by illustrations, which appear regularly.Newland Archer is going to marry the sweet, pretty May Welland. Everyone thinks that they are perfect together. Then, May's beautiful cousin, the Countess Ellen Olenska, shocks everyone by leaving her husband and moving to New York. When Newland meets Ellen, he starts to question his future with May.Visit the Penguin Readers websiteExclusively with the print edition, readers can unlock online resources including a digital book, audio edition, lesson plans and answer keys.

Ethan Frome, written in 1911 by Pulitzer Prize-winning American author Edith Wharton, is set in the fictitious town of Starkfield, Massachusetts. Against a backdrop of a cold, grey, bleak New England winter, a visiting engineer staying temporarily in town while working nearby, tells the story of his encounter with Ethan Frome, who is an isolated farmer trying to scrape out a living while tending to his frigid, demanding and ungrateful wife, Zeena.The narrator's initial impressions are based on his observations of Frome, watching as he goes about his daily tasks. Something about him catches the eye and curiosity of the visitor, yet no one in town wants to discuss or reveal many details about the strange man or his background.The narrator ultimately finds himself having to stay overnight in Frome's house in order to escape a fierce winter storm and is then able to observe Frome up close. When he shares his observations with others in town it triggers them to be more forthcoming with their own knowledge and impressions.Ethan Frome is a man with a history of thwarted dreams and desires whose longing ends in an ironic turn of events. A bit of hope enters his life of despair when his wife's cousin Mattie arrives. He falls in love with her and his life is transformed but their fate is doomed by the stifling conventions of the era.This beautifully designed American Literature Classic presents compelling characters trapped in circumstances from which they seem unable to escape.

"Will writers ever recover that peculiar blend of security and alertness which characterizes Mrs. Wharton and her tradition?¿ -- E. M. ForsterThe Descent of Man and Other Stories offers the author¿s well-known depictions of upper class life in New York, but also exhibits her remarkable talent in tales of humorous irony, history and the supernatural.Originally published in 1904 The Descent of Man and Other Stories features the author¿s nuanced prose and sharply observed characters in a chain of unforgettable tales. In several Wharton examines marriage, which was frequently arranged in her era. The author digs deep into her characters to find what can hold a marriage together or slowly pull it apart. The difficulty of establishing and maintaining honest relations in a highly stratified and proper society is a consistent challenge for her characters, especially in the title story in which a man of principle finds himself misunderstood and forced to potentially compromise his beliefs. Wharton also affords glimpses into the trials of being an author, drawing both drama and humor from the profession. There¿s a chance to sample the author¿s ghostly fiction, which has long been appreciated by aficionados of the macabre. This is a showcase for the author¿s range of interests and for her remarkable ability to tell memorable stories that strike to the heart.With an eye-catching new cover, and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of The Descent of Man and Other Stories is both modern and readable.

‘Bunner Sisters’ explores the lives of the impoverished class in 1870s New York. Sisters Ann Eliza and Evelina run a small shop out of a shabby basement on a side street. Despite their misfortunes, they are happy in their small, supportive community of women. This bubble will soon be burst, however, as Ann Eliza and Evelina are faced with the harsh realities of the world that exists outside of their shop. A considerate exploration of American society, class, and sibling relationships, Edith Wharton’s novel is unmissable if you enjoyed Louisa May Alcott’s ‘Little Women’.Edith Wharton (1863-1937) was an American author. Best known for her sharp, scathing, and fierce stories about the upper-class society into which she was born and its treatment of women, she wrote more than 40 books. Her major works include "The Age of Innocence" (1920), "Ethan Frome" (1911), and "The House of Mirth" (1905). Beyond novels, she wrote authoritative works on architecture, gardens, interior design, and travel. She was the first female author to win the Pulitzer Prize, and her work is unmissable for all fans of classic authors, from Joseph Conrad to Virginia Woolf.

Witty socialite Lily Bart has expensive tastes. Unfortunately, she does not have the social status to match. So far she has managed to get by on ‘old money’ and has become accustomed to a certain level of luxury. Her luck seems to be running out, however, as she approaches thirty and begins to scramble for an eligible bachelor who will secure her both an elevation of social status and stability. First published in 1905, the transparent way in which Edith Wharton explored and challenged the little social mobility that American Victorian society offered women sent shockwaves through the very communities that she wrote about. This thought-provoking text is perfect for fans of novels such as Henry James’ ‘The Portrait of a Lady’. Edith Wharton (1863-1937) was an American author. Best known for her sharp, scathing, and fierce stories about the upper-class society into which she was born and its treatment of women, she wrote more than 40 books. Her major works include "The Age of Innocence" (1920), "Ethan Frome" (1911), and "The House of Mirth" (1905). Beyond novels, she wrote authoritative works on architecture, gardens, interior design, and travel. She was the first female author to win the Pulitzer Prize, and her work is unmissable for all fans of classic authors, from Joseph Conrad to Virginia Woolf.

The Custom of the Country (1913) is a scathing critique of American upward mobility, as told through the journey of overindulged Undine Spragg. She moves from Apex City to New York and then Paris in pursuit of two things - money and status. She will stop at nothing to achieve this goal, no matter how many affairs, lies, and divorces it takes. Edith Wharton (1863-1937) was an American author. Best known for her sharp, scathing, and fierce stories about the upper-class society into which she was born and its treatment of women, she wrote more than 40 books. Her major works include "The Age of Innocence" (1920), "Ethan Frome" (1911), and "The House of Mirth" (1905). Beyond novels, she wrote authoritative works on architecture, gardens, interior design, and travel. She was the first female author to win the Pulitzer Prize, and her work is unmissable for all fans of classic authors, from Joseph Conrad to Virginia Woolf.

Undine es la hija de la familia Spragg, que no logra encontrar su camino en la ascensión social en el intrincado y enmarañado sistema de jerarquías neoyorquino. Pese a haber hecho fortuna en su pequeño pueblo del medio Oeste y estar lejos de ser una familia pobre, Undine, una mujer extremadamente bella, se siente apenas un trozo de carne ante la mirada de los hombres con los que se encuentra.Divorciada además de su primer matrimonio, decide casarse con Ralph Marvell, una decisión que tampoco resultó ser muy acertada, y así los conflictos matrimoniales no tardan en aparecer.El conflicto interno de Undine, sin embargo, es que no quiere renunciar al status y el dinero que su matrimonio le proporciona, al mismo tiempo que tampoco quiere renunciar al amor, y a lo largo de las páginas de esta novela nos encontraremos con la cuestión de cómo separar la vida privada de la vida pública, e incluso de si se puede vivir la vida privada bajo los mismos parámetros y expectativas que una carrera social."Pese a que tenía todo lo que quería, a veces aún sentía que había otras cosas que podría desear si supiese de su existencia".Después de dar a luz a su primer hijo, Undine se encuentra en Paris con un amor que esta vez no puede dejar pasar de largo...Como suele ocurrir con las novelas de Edith Warton, la crítica social, las jerarquías sociales y el papel de la mujer en la sociedad norteamericana de principios del siglo XX son los verdaderos protagonistas, demostrando aquí una vez más por qué su autora es una maestra en la profundidad del retrato de los personajes femeninos.La directora Sofia Coppola se encuentra en el año 2020 trabajando en el rodaje de una adaptación de esta novela al formato de miniserie para tv en la que los espectadores podrán seguir los acontecimiento de la vida de Undine y su familia.Edith Wharton (1862-1937) fue una escritora, paisajista y diseñadora estadounidense. Nacida en el seno de la clase alta norteamericana, su obra más conocida es La edad de la inocencia publicada en 1920 y ganadora del premio Pulitzer en 1921. En 1923 fue la primera mujer nombrada Doctor honoris causa por la Universidad de Yale.

La novela de la autora norteamericana Edith Wharton, pese a no ser tan conocida a nivel popular, ha sido considerada por la crítica y su público como una joya dentro de su producción literaria y dentro de la literatura de la época.En sus páginas hay una reflexión conmovedora acerca de la lucha de clases, la pobreza, la soledad, las relaciones familiares, y, en general, el significado de la existencia.Con una prosa y una narración impecable, la autora nos muestra cómo la vida cotidiana de estas dos hermanas, dos solteronas que apenas logran escapar de la pobreza y llegar a fin de mes con los beneficios que les deja su tienda orientada al público femenino de clase alta de Nueva York, se verá alterada con un acontecimiento tan inocente como el regalo de un reloj que Anne Elisa, la mayor de las hermanas, le entrega a Evelina, la menor de ellas.Este insignificante objeto, un reloj, llevará a las hermanas a entablar una relación con el relojero Herbert Ramy, dueño de la tienda de curiosidades más extravagante que uno se pueda encontrar... Y es así como su apacible rutina y tranquilo devenir de los días, hora a hora, día a día, mes tras mes, se tambaleará, así como el equilibrio de su relación fraternal, y el fantasma de la monotonía hace su aparición:"Ahora se dio cuenta de que rechazar los dones de la vida no asegura su transmisión a aquellos por quienes se han entregado; y su cielo familiar estaba despoblado."Edith Wharton (1862-1937) fue una escritora, paisajista y diseñadora estadounidense. Nacida en el seno de la clase alta norteamericana, su obra más conocida es La edad de la inocencia publicada en 1920 y ganadora del premio Pulitzer en 1921. En 1923 fue la primera mujer nombrada Doctor honoris causa por la Universidad de Yale.