The Age of Innocence (eBook)

Edith Wharton (1862-1937) was a luminary in American literature, renowned for her keen social insight and portrayal of the upper-class society of the early 20th century. Wharton, born into a wealthy New York family, broke the conventions of her time by becoming one of the first women to achieve fame and respect as a writer. She was not only a novelist but also a short story writer, a designer, and a cultural critic. Wharton's writing style is characterized by its eloquence, sharp wit, and nuanced examination of the societal mores and personal dilemmas faced by her characters. Her 1920 novel, 'The Age of Innocence,' is a masterful exploration of the conflict between personal happiness and social constraints, which won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1921, making Wharton the first woman to receive this honor. Through books like 'Ethan Frome', 'The House of Mirth', and 'The Custom of the Country', she dissected the intricacies of social status and the roles of women with a critical eye, earning her an enduring place in the canon of American literature. Wharton's legacy continues to influence writers and readers alike, a testament to the incisive power of her literary voice.