Edith Wharton

Edith Wharton Biography

Edith Newbold Jones Wharton (January 24, 1862 – August 11, 1937) was a distinguished American novelist, short story writer, and designer. Born into a wealthy New York family, she was well-acquainted with the upper-class society that she would later critique in her writings. Wharton broke through the constraints of her time to become one of America's greatest writers, authoring over 40 books in 40 years, including authoritative works on architecture, gardens, interior design, and travel.

In 1885, Edith married Edward (Teddy) Wharton, a Boston banker. The marriage was troubled, leading to their divorce in 1913. During this period, Wharton began to focus seriously on her writing. Her first major success, The House of Mirth (1905), offered a critical look at New York's high society. She continued to explore themes of social constraints and personal freedom in novels like Ethan Frome (1911) and The Custom of the Country (1913).

During World War I, Wharton moved to France and was actively involved in humanitarian efforts, for which she received the French Legion of Honor. In 1920, she published The Age of Innocence, a novel set in the 1870s New York society of her youth. This work earned her the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1921, making her the first woman to receive the award. Wharton continued to write prolifically until her death in 1937 in Saint-Brice-sous-Forêt, France.

Trivia About Edith Wharton

• Wharton was a close friend of fellow novelist Henry James, with whom she shared a deep literary kinship.
• She designed her own estate, The Mount, in Lenox, Massachusetts, which reflects her principles of design and is now a museum dedicated to her legacy.
• Wharton was the first woman to receive an honorary doctorate from Yale University in 1923.
• She was nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1927, 1928, and 1930.

Famous Quotes by Edith Wharton

• "There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it."
• "Life is always a tightrope or a feather bed. Give me the tightrope."
• "The only way not to think about money is to have a great deal of it."

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who was Edith Wharton?

Edith Wharton was an American novelist, short story writer, and designer known for her incisive depictions of upper-class society in the early 20th century. She was the first woman to win the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction.

What are some of Edith Wharton's most famous works?

Some of her most renowned novels include The House of Mirth, Ethan Frome, and The Age of Innocence.

What was 'The Mount'?

'The Mount' was Edith Wharton's estate in Lenox, Massachusetts, which she designed herself. It reflects her architectural and design principles and now serves as a museum dedicated to her life and work.

Related Literary Movements

Edith Wharton's work is often associated with literary realism and naturalism. She provided critical insights into the American upper class, exploring themes of social constraints, personal freedom, and the complexities of human relationships.

Explore more about Edith Wharton on eBookTakeAway