Bøker av 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.

In Edith Wharton's Ethan Frome, delve into the haunting tale of a man trapped in a loveless marriage, whose chance encounter with a vibrant youngwoman sparks a forbidden passion. Set against the stark backdrop of a New England winter, this timeless classic explores the consequences ofdesire and societal constraints.

"Artemis to Actaeon and Other Verses" by Edith Wharton is a collection of poetry that transcends the boundaries of the page, immersing readers in the timeless and evocative world crafted by the renowned novelist. Published in the early 20th century, Wharton's verses showcase a departure from her narrative prose, revealing a lyrical and introspective facet of her literary talent. Within this collection, Wharton's poetic voice unfolds with grace and sophistication, offering readers a poetic journey that traverses classical mythology, human relationships, and the complexities of the human psyche. "Artemis to Actaeon" serves as a poetic dialogue between the goddess of the hunt and the ill-fated mortal, exploring themes of transformation and consequence. Wharton's exploration of mythological narratives is not mere homage; it is a reimagining that breathes new life into age-old tales. The collection goes beyond myth, delving into the emotional landscapes of love, desire, and introspection. Each verse is a brushstroke on the canvas of human experience, inviting readers to contemplate the nuances of existence.

A Motor-Flight Through France, is a classical and a rare book, that has been considered important throughout the human history, and so that this work is never forgotten we at Alpha Editions have made efforts in its preservation by republishing this book in a modern format for present and future generations. This whole book has been reformatted, retyped and redesigned. These books are not made of scanned copies of their original work, and hence their text is clear and readable. This remarkable book falls within the genres of History, General and Eastern Hemisphere

Twilight Sleep by Edith Wharton was originally published in 1927.

The collection of short stories "The Descent of Man and Other Stories" was authored by Edith Wharton, a well-known American writer recognized for her examination of marriage, love, and social class in the early 20th century. This 1904 anthology provides an engrossing look into the intricacies of interpersonal interactions and the difficulties people encounter in managing society's expectations. The book is divided into seven stories, each of which offers a distinctive viewpoint on the complexities of human nature. The title narrative, "The Descent of Man," which centres on the life of Halston Merrick, a young man trying to find his place in society, is one of the most notable tales. Wharton addresses issues of identity, self-discovery, and the constraints imposed by social conventions throughout Merrick's journey. Wharton's astute study of human behavior is evident throughout the entire collection. She expertly conveys the subtleties of social interactions and the complexity of human emotions, and her characters are well-developed. Wharton provides readers with a thought-provoking examination of love, marriage, and the difficulties people encounter in negotiating society's expectations through her exquisite prose and perceptive storytelling.

"The Custom of the Country" by Edith Wharton is a scathing social critique and a compelling exploration of the Gilded Age's high society in early twentieth-century America. The novel revolves round Undine Spragg, a charming and formidable female from the Midwest who ascends the social ladder through a chain of marriages. Undine's relentless pursuit of wealth and status takes her thru the glamorous world of New York and European aristocracy. Edith Wharton's incisive narrative dissects the ethical and moral dimensions of society, exposing the vacancy of a subculture driven by way of materialism and social mountaineering. Undine, a complex and frequently unsympathetic individual, turns into a image of the unfavourable consequences of unchecked ambition. The novel's brilliance lies in Wharton's ability to satirize the customs and values of the time while offering a nuanced portrayal of her characters. "The Custom of the Country" remains a timeless exploration of societal aspirations and the rate one will pay for chasing the elusive dream of upward mobility in a global ruled by using social conventions.

The book ¿The Glimpses of the Moon¿ is a novel written by Edith Wharton. The whole story is surrounded by the main characters Susy Branch and nick Lasning, a young couple married and living in New York city. They struggle financially, but due the depth of love they decided into to get married with convenience. Very soon after that, hey also agree to get separated to resume their life wealthier for temporary period. During the whole story, Susy and Nick try to solve the complexities in their life and found some unconventional arrangement to mingle in the society of Europe. During their exposure, they found lots of ups and down and come upon social situation and moral dilemmas. However, when they move further in their struggle, they began to find answer for the real meaning of happiness, love and fulfilment. The book is a written with lots of efforts as it explores various themes of love, ambition and marriage. Also It offers a commentary on how people can compromise with situation to come out of worst condition. The book continues to provide such epic novels so that our readers can understand the real meaning of happiness and married life.

The Custom of the Country by Edith Wharton's novel is a complicated work of fiction which exposes a crucial viewpoint on early twentieth century American society. A review of its primary themes, characters as well as narrative format: Here is the analysis: Social Critique and Class Dynamics: The novel looks at a tremendous topic: the critique of social class structures, particularly the difference between old money as well as brand new money. Undine Spragg is a character who Wharton depicts as societal climbing and materialism of the nouvelle riche. The novel examines the values as well as actions of the established elite and the newly landed, exposing the superficiality and moral bankruptcy that might lie behind the quest for social status.Undine Spragg: Character bio: Undine is a complicated character, generally viewed as an anti-heroine. She is driven by a need for wealth & status and is ardent, manipulative. Wharton utilizes her character as a means of examining themes of ambition and greed and also the social expectations placed on women. Wharton accomplishes a level of sympathy for Undine despite her usually unfavorable characteristics, displaying the limitations placed on women in her society.Marriage as a Social Tool: The novel discusses marriage not as hot union but as a tool of social advancement. Marriages within Undine are merely transactions, a means of ascending socially. The portrayal mirrors the mercantile nature of relationships within some social groups and criticises the commodityization of marriage.Contrast Between American as well as European Values: Wharton compared American and European societal values and normative. The novel indicates that European society is grounded in tradition and more stable, while American culture is fluid and centered on newness and wealth. Undine's marriages to both American and European males and her adaptation to various cultural expectations are a clear illustration of this contrast.Consumerism as well as Materialism: The book is an examination of American consumerism. Undine's constant pursuit of luxury and standing illustrates the larger societal aversion to appearance and material possessions. Wharton critiques this materialism, indicating it results in moral emptiness and personal dissatisfaction.Realism as well as Narrative Style: Wharton's story style brings together realism with thorough social observation. She meticulously captures the settings and social customs in the time, offering a vivid backdrop against which the story of her characters unfolds. Irony and subtle humor are used to deepen her social criticism.Gender Roles as well as Feminism: The novel isn't explicitly feminist but does examine the limited roles that women played in early 20th century society. Despite being morally questionable, Undine's actions may be viewed as a response - towards the limitations put on her as a woman. Her drive for independence contrasts with the established roles of women.The American Dream: The novel may be regarded as a look at the American Dream. Undine's continuous quest for upward mobility and happiness via money as well as power eventually does not gratify her, indicating the hollowness of this dream when based entirely on material accomplishment.

This novel by Edith Wharton tells the story of Fanny de Malrive, a Frenchwoman who marries a wealthy American but finds herself torn between loyalty to her family and the demands of her new life. When her brother returns to Paris to ask for her help, Fanny must navigate a web of political intrigue, familial obligation, and personal desire, all while maintaining the veneer of a dutiful wife. With its elegant prose and finely etched characters, the book is a masterful exploration of the subtleties of love and loyalty in a world divided by class, nationality, and ambition.This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it.This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

Edith Wharton is renowned for her nonfiction work "The writing of Fiction" and provides classic guidance on Writing and reading. Wharton was the very first female to win, in fact, a Pulitzer Prize with this particular book becoming a rare nonfiction piece. It features a new introduction by Brandon Taylor and offers a rare look into Wharton's views on the arts of reading and writing.Wharton examines different issues with writing in this particular publication, which include character development, the art of crafting exquisite short stories, and the structure of a novel. Not simply a writing guide but a broad meditation by a great practitioner. Wharton draws on her great knowledge of being a renowned novelist renowned for her sharp critiques of upper-class culture in addition to her formal remarkable works.Edith Wharton's "The writing of Fiction" is a tremendous contribution to literary critique and Writing guidance. The very first female to win a Pulitizer Prize, this nonfiction book offers ageless guidance on reading and writing. Wharton, a author of books like "The Age of Innocence," "The House of Mirth," "The Custom of the Country," pertains her sharp critique and intimate understanding of upper class society to this novel.Wharton explores different facets in the literary craft in the book. She gives information on character development, short story writing and the bigger story structure of a novel. Her discussion goes beyond pure technical guidance ; Her observations and experiences as a renowned novelist serve as a meditation on writing.

"Embark on a captivating journey through the enchanting landscapes of Italy with Edith Wharton in 'Italian Villas and Their Gardens.' Penned in the early 20th century, this travel narrative offers readers an insightful exploration of the architectural marvels and lush gardens that adorn the Italian countryside.As Wharton delves into the history, art, and horticulture of these villas, 'Italian Villas and Their Gardens' is more than a travelogue¿it's a literary expedition that captures the timeless allure of Italy's cultural and natural beauty.Join Wharton on this literary journey where each page unveils a new facet of Italian elegance, making 'Italian Villas and Their Gardens' an essential read for those captivated by tales of travel and the picturesque charm of Italy."

"The Age of Innocence," written by Edith Wharton and published in 1920, is a captivating exploration of love, duty, and societal expectations in the Gilded Age of New York City. This Pulitzer Prize-winning novel transports readers to a world of opulent mansions, lavish soirées, and intricately woven social codes, all meticulously detailed by Wharton's keen observational skills.The novel introduces us to Newland Archer, a young and affluent lawyer engaged to the beautiful but conventional May Welland. As the heir to an esteemed New York family, Newland is entrenched in the traditions and expectations of high society. However, the arrival of May's unconventional cousin, Countess Ellen Olenska, disrupts the well-ordered world Newland has known.Ellen, having fled a troubled marriage in Europe, represents a breath of fresh air in a society stifled by its own rigidity. Her allure lies not only in her beauty but in her defiance of societal norms, sparking a sense of forbidden desire in Newland. The novel unfolds as Newland grapples with his growing infatuation for Ellen while navigating the intricate web of social obligations and familial expectations that bind him.Wharton's narrative is a rich tapestry of societal critique, drawing attention to the constraints imposed by the "innocence" of an era that masks the underlying complexities of human relationships. The characters are meticulously crafted, each contributing to the unfolding drama of love and duty. May Welland, seemingly docile and compliant, reveals hidden depths as the story progresses, adding layers to the exploration of societal expectations.One of the novel's strengths lies in its vivid portrayal of the societal customs and rituals of the time. Wharton meticulously describes the elaborate balls, the intricacies of dress codes, and the unspoken rules that govern interactions. This attention to detail creates a world that is both visually sumptuous and intellectually engaging, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the lavish tapestry of Gilded Age New York.The novel's title, "The Age of Innocence," is both ironic and poignant. On the surface, the term implies a certain purity and naivety, but Wharton uses it to expose the hypocrisy and moral complexity that lies beneath the veneer of innocence. The characters grapple with the tension between societal expectations and personal desires, challenging the notion of true innocence in matters of the heart.As the story unfolds, Wharton masterfully builds suspense, creating a narrative that is both timeless and timely. The novel's exploration of forbidden love, societal constraints, and the consequences of choice resonates across eras, inviting readers to reflect on their own relationships and the societal expectations that shape them."The Age of Innocence" stands as a timeless classic, a literary gem that continues to captivate readers with its exquisite prose, nuanced characters, and profound exploration of the human condition. Edith Wharton's masterful storytelling invites us to peer behind the curtain of societal conventions and question the true cost of conformity in matters of love and duty. Through the lens of Gilded Age New York, Wharton provides a mirror reflecting the perennial struggle between individual desires and the expectations of a society clinging to its own notion of innocence.

"New York lawyer Stephen Glennard, in an effort to raise money to pay for his upcoming wedding to his sweetheart, sells love letters written to him by deceased author Margaret Aubyn. This action comes back to haunt him and his marriage, exposing a betrayal that becomes the talk of New York society"--

The Age of Innocence begins with Newland Archer--gentleman-lawyer and scion of one of New York's most privileged families--anticipating his marriage to the gentle, lovely, and equally privileged May Welland. But when Newland meets May's cousin, the beautiful and scandal-ridden Countess Ellen Olenska, he begins to doubt his choice of bride and his place within the shallow, gilded cage of society life. If the Countess Olenska can dare to leave her disastrous marriage, can defy the unspoken, iron-clad rules that have shaped her life--what freedoms are possible for him? And what does true innocence look like in a world strangled by hollow custom, trivial squabbles, and the appearance of goodness? A Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of the Gilded Age, The Age of Innocence is one of Edith Wharton's greatest novels and a true classic that continues to inspire and transfix readers today.

Edith Wharton's novel, The Age of Innocence, was published in 1920. It was her eighth novel, first serialized in four parts in the magazine Pictorial Review in 1920. D. Appleton & Company published it as a book later that year. It won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1921, making Wharton the first woman to do so. Though the committee initially agreed to award the prize to Sinclair Lewis for Main Street, the judge's rejection of his book on political grounds "established Wharton as the American 'First Lady of Letters,'" according to the judges. The story occurs in upper-class, "Gilded Age" New York City in the 1870s. Wharton wrote the book in her fifties after establishing herself as a significant author in high demand by publishers. The Age of Innocence, set during Wharton's childhood, was a softer and gentler work than The House of Mirth, which she published in 1905. Wharton wrote in her autobiography that The Age of Innocence gave her "a momentary escape in returning to my childish memories of a long-vanished America. It was becoming more and more evident that 1914 had destroyed the world I had grown up in and formed. Scholars and readers agree that The Age of Innocence is fundamentally about reconciling the old and the new.

Edith Wharton's haunting classic Ethan Frome is set in a small, isolated town in Massachusetts, exploring the depths of human emotion and the profound impact of choices made in the face of societal constraints.The story revolves around the titular character, Ethan Frome, a worn-down and introverted farmer whose life is bound by duty and responsibility. Trapped in a loveless marriage with his sickly and bitter wife, Zeena, Ethan's life takes an unexpected turn when his cousin, Mattie Silver, arrives to help with household chores. As Mattie's presence breathes new life into Ethan's monotonous existence, a powerful attraction blossoms between them.This volume is part of the Mothers of the Macabre series, celebrating the gothic horror masterpieces of pioneering women writers who played a pivotal role in shaping and advancing the genre. Edith Wharton's masterful prose paints a vivid portrait of the harsh and unforgiving New England landscape, mirroring the emotional turmoil and restraints placed upon her characters. Ethan Frome is an essential read for fans of classic gothic horror.

Edith Wharton's first novel, The Valley of Decision, is one of her most important and distinguished novels, yet it has received relatively little (and mostly superficial) attention, in spite of its initial popularity. Set in northern Italy in the late eighteenth century, it concerns the decisions that must be made by Odo Valsecca, a young man of liberal ideas who inherits a dukedom during the years of the French Revolution. Forced to choose between conflicting loyalties - those to the forces of social reform with which he allied himself before he came to power, or those of the feudal tradition to which he belongs by blood - Odo must define himself.

"I want to put my hand out and touch you. I want to do for you and care for you. I want to be there when you're sick and when you're lonesome." -- Edith Wharton, Ethan Frome The classic novel of despair, forbidden emotions, and sexual undercurrents set against the austere New England countryside. Ethan Frome works his unproductive farm and struggles to maintain a bearable existence with his difficult, suspicious and hypochondriac wife, Zeena. But when Zeena's vivacious cousin enters their household as a hired girl, Ethan finds himself obsessed with her and with the possibilities for happiness she comes to represent. In one of fiction's finest and most intense narratives, Edith Wharton moves this ill-starred trio toward their tragic destinies. Different in both tone and theme from Wharton's other works, Ethan Frome has become perhaps her most enduring and most widely read book.