The House of Mirth (eBook)

Edith Wharton, born Edith Newbold Jones on January 24, 1862, into a wealthy New York family, was a distinguished American novelist, short story writer, and designer. Wharton broke through the confines of her upper-class background to become a prolific writer, keenly observing the nuances of social strata and the subtlety of human behavior. Her literary prowess was cemented with the publication of 'The House of Mirth' in 1905, a novel that assailed the vacuity of affluent New York society through the tragic tale of Lily Bart. A master of American realism and naturalism, Wharton's writing was characterized by its critical exploration of social dynamics, intricate character development, and vivid descriptions, qualities that earned her a Pulitzer Prize for 'The Age of Innocence' in 1921. Wharton's profound influence on American literature is found not just in her novels, but also in her short stories and her groundbreaking work on interior design and architecture, showcased in 'The Decoration of Houses' and 'Italian Villas and Their Gardens'. Throughout a career that spanned over four decades, Edith Wharton published more than forty books, leaving a legacy that endures in the canon of American literature. Wharton passed away on August 11, 1937, but her work continues to captivate scholars and readers alike, ensuring her a prominent place among the luminaries of literary history.