Author
Edith Wharton
1862-1937
Edith Wharton (1862-1937) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
Subjects
Books by Edith Wharton
Ethan Frome
"Ethan Frome" by Edith Wharton is a novella published in 1911. Set in the harsh winter landscape of rural Massachusetts, it tells the story of a man trapped in a loveless marriage who falls deeply in love with his wife's young cousin. As passion conflicts with duty and circumstance, their forbidden connection leads toward a desperate act with devastating consequences. This tragic tale explores how desire, obligation, and fate can intertwine to shape lives in unexpected and irreversible ways.
The Age of Innocence
"The Age of Innocence" by Edith Wharton is a novel published in 1920. Set in 1870s upper-class New York society, it follows Newland Archer, a gentleman lawyer preparing to marry the beautiful but sheltered May Welland. His secure world shifts when May's unconventional cousin, Countess Ellen Olenska, arrives from Europe, fleeing a scandalous marriage. As Newland grows fascinated by Ellen's bold defiance of social rules, he faces an agonizing choice between duty and desire in a world where appearances matter more than truth.
The House of Mirth
"The House of Mirth" by Edith Wharton is a novel published in 1905. It follows Lily Bart, a beautiful but impoverished woman navigating New York City's high society in the 1890s. As twenty-nine-year-old Lily seeks a husband to secure her future, she faces a slow two-year social descent from privilege toward the margins of society. Wharton crafts a sharp tragedy that exposes the moral corruption of an irresponsible upper class that casually destroys what is most beautiful within it.
The Valley of Decision
"The Valley of Decision" by Edith Wharton is a novel set during the late 19th century, which explores themes of social class, identity, and the struggles faced by those in lower social standings. The story revolves around Odo Valsecca, a young boy with noble ancestry but presently living in poverty. As he navigates the challenges of his upbringing, Odo grapples with his place in a world that often marginalizes him despite his noble lineage. At the start of the novel, the tranquil yet dilapidated chapel serves as a refuge for the sensitive and introspective Odo, who feels a profound kinship with both the suffering saint depicted in the chapel and the harsh circumstances of his life. The opening chapters introduce Odo's early life at the farm of Pontesordo, under the care of his foster mother Filomena, and outline the disdain he faces from the farm's more privileged inhabitants. The narrative follows Odo through a series of poignant experiences, including the sudden news of his father's death, which alters his world and sets him on a path toward his mother and the nobility he longs to reconnect with. As he adjusts to life in the Duke's palace, Odo's realizations about wealth, privilege, and his familial ties deepen, foreshadowing the internal and external conflicts that will shape his journey.
The Decoration of Houses
"The Decoration of Houses" by Edith Wharton and Ogden Codman is a manual of interior design published in 1897. The authors boldly reject Victorian-style decoration, criticizing heavy curtains, cluttered bric-a-brac, and overstuffed furniture that sacrifice comfort for upholstery. Instead, they champion classical design principles—symmetry, proportion, and architectural balance—with rooms featuring strong wall treatments and carefully chosen furniture. This groundbreaking work sparked a revolution in interior design, inspiring a new generation of professional decorators.
In Morocco
"In Morocco" by Edith Wharton is a travel narrative written in the early 20th century. The book chronicles Wharton's journey through Morocco, providing insights into the country's culture, architecture, and landscapes at a time of significant transition due to European colonization. The author reflects on the beauty and mystery of Morocco, capturing her experiences in cities like Tangier, Rabat, and Fez while conveying a sense of urgency about preserving the old ways of life before they are lost to modernization. The opening of the narrative invites readers into Wharton's adventurous spirit as she prepares to explore Morocco, emphasizing the lack of a proper guidebook for this intriguing destination. She describes the contrasts between Tangier's European influence and the allure of the uncharted Morocco that lies beyond. Wharton depicts her journey with vivid imagery, highlighting both the obstacles faced while traveling and the enchanting sights encountered along the way. The emphasis on fleeting moments and the impending arrival of mass tourism establishes a bittersweet tone, as the author strives to document a rich cultural tapestry that is on the brink of disappearance.
The Descent of Man and Other Stories
"The Descent of Man and Other Stories" by Edith Wharton is a collection of short stories written during the late 19th century. The opening story, "The Descent of Man," introduces Professor Linyard, a biologist returning from a holiday in the Maine woods, who is enlivened not by nature alone but by an exhilarating new idea he has embraced. This collection explores themes of societal norms, personal relationships, and the tension between scientific thought and popular misconceptions. At the start of the text, Professor Linyard's character unfolds, revealing his complex domestic life, including a doting wife and children, as well as his internal struggle with the constraints of marriage and the vibrant ideas that inspire him. After his return from vacation, he contemplates a satirical work aimed at critiquing the pseudoscientific literature that has captivated the public. Linyard is drawn into a world where his intellectual pursuits clash with the mundane expectations of society, setting the stage for the tension between his domestic obligations and creative ambitions as he prepares to navigate the publishing landscape. His idea serves as both a comedic outlet and a serious critique, highlighting Wharton's deft handling of irony and social commentary.
Summer
"Summer" by Edith Wharton is a novel published in 1917. Set in rural New England, it follows seventeen-year-old Charity Royall, who longs to escape her small mountain town and her guardian's oppressive home. When a charming young architect arrives, Charity experiences passion and possibility beyond her constrained world. But their romance leads to consequences that force her to confront harsh realities about class, desire, and survival. This controversial coming-of-age story explores a young woman's sexual awakening and the difficult choices she must make.
The Early Short Fiction of Edith Wharton — Part 2
"The Early Short Fiction of Edith Wharton — Part 2" by Edith Wharton is a collection of short stories and verse written during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This volume features a mix of enchanting narratives, including ghostly tales like "Afterward," and explorative pieces that capture the essence of life and relationships. Wharton's work delves into themes of memory, nostalgia, and the complexities of human emotion, often set against vividly described backdrops of English and American settings. The opening of the collection focuses on "Afterward," where we meet Mary and Edward Boyne, a couple who, after years of striving, settle into a rural English home named Lyng. Initially thrilled by their new life, Mary recalls a conversation with a friend about an elusive ghost in the house, shrouded in mystery and speculation. As they acclimate to their surroundings, a sense of foreboding emerges, particularly when hints of undisclosed secrets and unmentioned struggles begin to affect their relationship. The narrative sets a haunting tone, suggesting that the history of the house may intertwine with their present in ways that remain to be revealed, establishing a foundation for deeper exploration of existential themes that Wharton expertly crafts throughout her story collection.
Tales of Men and Ghosts
"Tales of Men and Ghosts" by Edith Wharton is a collection of short stories written during the early 20th century. The stories delve into the complexities of human relationships, drawing on themes of societal expectations, personal longing, and the spectral presence of the past, often weaving elements of the supernatural into the narrative. The collection begins with the story of Hubert Granice, a middle-aged man wrestling with his sense of failure, loneliness, and the weight of his unresolved past. The opening of "Tales of Men and Ghosts" introduces Hubert Granice, who anxiously awaits the arrival of his lawyer, Mr. Peter Ascham. Granice paces in his library, reflecting on his past failures as a playwright and the toll they have taken on him. As he prepares for an important conversation with his lawyer, he grapples with thoughts of self-destruction and the implications of his unfulfilled ambitions. The narrative builds tension as Granice, amid his musings, reveals a dark secret: he confesses to having murdered his cousin, Joseph Lenman, out of desperation and frustration. As the lawyer arrives, Segueing into a deeper examination of the characters and themes, Granice's story raises questions about guilt, identity, and the longing for understanding in a world that seems indifferent.
The Greater Inclination
"The Greater Inclination" by Edith Wharton is a collection of short stories written during the late 19th century. The stories delve into the complexities of love, relationships, and the societal expectations faced by women and men in Wharton's era. The opening portion introduces readers to the character of Danyers, who is fascinated by the enigmatic Mrs. Anerton, a woman linked to the poetic legacy of the celebrated Vincent Rendle. At the start of the narrative, Danyers is introduced as a young man captivated by the poetic world of Rendle, who wrote sonnets inspired by a woman named Silvia, later revealed to be Mrs. Anerton. Danyers' thoughts reveal his long-standing admiration and his deep yearning to connect with Mrs. Anerton, who is portrayed as an elusive and solitary figure since the death of her husband, Rendle. The chapter captures the interplay of memory and admiration, as Danyers navigates his feelings towards Mrs. Anerton, driven by both reverence and an emerging desire for a more intimate understanding of her life and identity.
The Custom of the Country
"The Custom of the Country" by Edith Wharton is a novel published in 1913. It follows Undine Spragg, a beautiful and ambitious young woman from the Midwest who arrives in New York City determined to climb the social ladder. Through a series of marriages and affairs, Undine ruthlessly pursues wealth, status, and glamour, leaving destruction in her wake. The novel chronicles her relentless ascent through American and European high society, revealing the costs of her insatiable desires.
The Early Short Fiction of Edith Wharton — Part 1
"The Early Short Fiction of Edith Wharton — Part 1" by Edith Wharton is a collection of short stories written during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This volume includes narratives that delve into themes of human emotion, the complexities of social relationships, and the haunting aspects of memory and loss, as showcased in stories such as "Kerfol" and "Mrs. Manstey's View." The work reflects Wharton's keen insight into the lives of the early modern American upper class and their surroundings. The opening portion of "Kerfol," the first story in the collection, introduces an unnamed narrator inspired by a friend's suggestion to visit a mysterious estate called Kerfol, steeped in history and potential ghostly tales. As the narrator explores the hauntingly beautiful landscape and eerie silence of the estate, he encounters a pack of dogs that seem to guard the property. The rich imagery emphasizes the contrast between the palpable sense of life and the ghostly feeling that pervades the house, hinting at underlying themes of longing and reflection on past events. The narrator's exploration not only serves as a physical journey but as a metaphysical one, questioning the nature of existence in the wake of past sorrow and emotional scars.
The Reef
"The Reef" by Edith Wharton is a novel published in 1912. American diplomat George Darrow reconnects with his former love, the widowed Anna Leath, hoping to resume their romance. But when a brief affair with young Sophy Viner complicates matters—especially after Sophy becomes governess to Anna's daughter and engaged to Anna's stepson—hidden passions and jealousies threaten everyone's future. Set in Paris and rural France, this tale explores the destructive power of secrets and desire.
The Glimpses of the Moon
"The Glimpses of the Moon" by Edith Wharton is a novel written in the early 20th century that explores themes of love, wealth, and social relationships amid an affluent backdrop. The story centers on Susy Lansing and Nick Lansing, a newly married couple who embark on a unique experimental marriage, hinging on an understanding that they may pursue other romantic connections if they find better opportunities. This arrangement sets the stage for a narrative rich with social commentary and personal introspection. The opening of the novel introduces Susy and Nick as they enjoy their honeymoon on the picturesque shores of Lake Como, wrapped in the beauty of their surroundings and their initial bliss. As they revel in their idyllic setting, their conversations touch on their playful defiance against conventional expectations, revealing their attempts to manage their financial limitations and societal status. The couple shares laughter and tenderness as they contemplate how long their current happiness can last, while underlying tensions begin to surface regarding their financial constraints and the shadows of their past relationships. This blend of romantic idealism and pragmatic awareness frames the narrative's ongoing exploration of their unorthodox marriage and its implications.
Bunner Sisters
"Bunner Sisters" by Edith Wharton is a novel written during the early 20th century. The story centers on the lives of two sisters, Ann Eliza and Evelina Bunner, who run a small, humble shop in New York City. Despite the modesty of their reality, the sisters cling to dreams and desires that often remain unfulfilled as they navigate their love lives, ambitions, and the societal expectations of their time. The opening of the novel introduces readers to the Bunner Sisters and their quaint yet deteriorating neighborhood in New York. As the sisters prepare for Evelina's birthday celebration, the mundane aspects of their lives come to light, revealing their limited financial means and their contentment with their simple existence. Ann Eliza's poignant interactions with Evelina reflect the tension between their reliance on one another and their individual longings. The narrative suggests a transformative presence in the form of Mr. Herman Ramy, whose connection with the sisters will likely complicate their lives further, hinting at themes of love, sacrifice, and the stark realities of their social status.
The writing of fiction
"The Writing of Fiction" by Edith Wharton is a guide on the craft of writing fiction, written in the early 20th century. This work explores the fundamentals of storytelling, including character development, narrative structure, and the evolution of the novel as an art form. Through her analysis of historical figures in literature, Wharton aims to illuminate the principles of effective fiction writing and the nuanced role of technique in achieving emotional depth and realism. The opening of the text sets the stage for a discussion on the nature and evolution of fiction, illustrating how modern novels shifted from external action to exploring the inner lives of characters. Wharton emphasizes the transformative contributions of notable writers like Balzac and Stendhal, who moved away from conventional narrative forms to create complex, relatable characters influenced by their environments. She critiques both the superficial slice-of-life style and the unoriginality in contemporary writing, thereby advocating for a thoughtful, deeper approach to craft that engages both the writer's imagination and their moral reasoning.
The Touchstone
"The Touchstone" by Edith Wharton is a novella published in 1900. Stephen Glennard faces financial ruin and cannot afford to marry the woman he loves. In desperation, he sells intimate letters written to him by Margaret Aubyn, a now-deceased famous author who once pursued him. The sale brings wealth and marriage, but mounting guilt over his betrayal threatens to destroy everything he has gained through this act of treachery.
Xingu
"Xingu" by Edith Wharton is a short story written in the early 20th century. This witty and insightful narrative explores the theme of intellectual pretension through a gathering of the "Lunch Club," a group of women who pride themselves on their cultural pursuits and discussions. The story delves into the dynamics of their interactions and the social pressures that drive them to uphold a facade of knowledge and sophistication. In the story, the members of the Lunch Club excitedly prepare for the visit of the esteemed author Osric Dane, hoping to impress her with their cultural understanding. However, their discussions become increasingly absurd and comical as they misinterpret the nature of "Xingu," initially believing it to be a profound subject of debate. The story captures the absurdity of their pretensions as they struggle to engage with Dane, while one member, Mrs. Roby, inadvertently shifts the conversation to more ludicrous interpretations of the topic. In the end, it is revealed that they had been discussing a river in Brazil rather than an intellectual concept, highlighting the disconnect between their aspirations to be seen as cultured and the reality of their shallow discussions. Ultimately, Wharton criticizes the pretensions of social clubs and the emptiness of their so-called intellectual pursuits.
Italian Villas and Their Gardens
"Italian Villas and Their Gardens" by Edith Wharton is a richly illustrated account of the architectural and garden designs of Italian villas, written in the early 20th century. The work explores the interplay of nature, architecture, and culture that defines these remarkable spaces, focusing particularly on their aesthetic qualities and historical significance. Wharton dives into various regional styles, such as Florentine, Sienese, and Roman villas, drawing attention to how gardens are designed as integral components of the villas themselves, rather than mere adornments. The opening of the book sets the stage with an introduction that emphasizes the unique appeal of Italian gardens, which are crafted to enchant and engage through their harmony with the surrounding landscape rather than through a focus on floral beauty. Wharton articulates the notion that the enduring charm of these gardens lies in their design principles, adapted to local conditions and cultural contexts. She notes that the magic of Italian gardens often stems from their structural elements—like marble, water features, and evergreen foliage—highlighting the integration of the villa with its landscape. This merging of art and nature forms the core of her exploration throughout the text.
Italian Backgrounds
"Italian Backgrounds" by Edith Wharton is a collection of essays written in the early 20th century. The work presents a detailed exploration of Italy's landscapes, architecture, and cultural nuances, showcasing Wharton's keen observations and reflections on her experiences in various Italian locales. The author captures the contrasts between the picturesque qualities of the Swiss Alps and the rich, passionate beauty of Italy, revealing her deep appreciation for the Italian way of life. The opening of the text embarks on a journey through the Swiss village of Splügen, emphasizing the transition from the meticulously maintained and picturesque landscapes of Switzerland to the more chaotic and human-influenced beauty of Italy. Wharton describes the daily life in Splügen, detailing its agricultural practices and the interactions among villagers. She expertly sets the stage for an impending journey into Italy, portraying the quiet allure and comfort of the alpine village while hinting at the overwhelming pull of the Italian landscape and culture just beyond the pass. This initial exploration not only establishes the geographical focus of the essays but also highlights Wharton's nuanced understanding of the interplay between nature and human expression in shaping cultural identities.
Twilight sleep
"Twilight Sleep" by Edith Wharton is a novel published in 1927. Set in Jazz Age New York, it follows a wealthy socialite family whose carefully maintained facade begins to crumble. As they struggle to save one marriage, hidden affairs and avoidance threaten to unravel everything. Through shifting perspectives, Wharton satirizes a society obsessed with efficiency and escaping pain, where characters desperately seek quick fixes rather than confronting uncomfortable truths. The story builds toward a violent climax that forces nothing to change.
Sanctuary
"Sanctuary" by Edith Wharton is a novel written in the late 19th century, exploring themes of love, morality, and the complexities of human relationships. The story centers on Kate Orme, a young woman on the brink of marriage to Denis Peyton, who grapples with her own emotions, the influence of societal expectations, and the shadow of a recent tragedy involving Denis' late brother, Arthur. At the start of the novel, we see Kate in a state of seemingly unbridled happiness as she prepares for her wedding. However, this joy is quickly overshadowed by the revelation of a deep family secret regarding Denis’ deceased brother and the intertwining lives that have led to a tragic outcome. Wharton intricately captures Kate's shifting emotions, her thoughts about love, and the societal constraints of her time, leading to a conversation with Denis that reveals unsettling truths about their past and the implications for their future. The opening sets the stage for a profound exploration of moral dilemmas and the struggle for personal integrity amidst familial and social pressures.
Fighting France, from Dunkerque to Belfort
"Fighting France, from Dunkerque to Belfort" by Edith Wharton is a historical account written during the early 20th century, specifically around the time of World War I. The work presents an observational narrative of France during the initial months of the war, capturing the transformation of the landscape and the lives of its people as they brace for the realities of conflict. The beginning of the book introduces readers to the serene beauty of Paris in July 1914, seamlessly blending descriptions of its architecture and social atmosphere with an undercurrent of anxiety about the impending war. Wharton depicts a Paris that is both vibrant and suspended in a moment of peace, filled with tourists and locals unaware of the turmoil soon to erupt. As the narrative unfolds, it signifies a drastic shift, detailing scenes of mobilization and the collective resolve of the French people preparing for battle. Through Wharton’s lens, we observe the balance of tranquility and tension, illustrating the initial disbelief and acceptance of the war that would soon engulf the nation. This opening sets the stage for a poignant exploration of the impact of war on French society, culture, and landscapes.