Results by "Edith Wharton" in All categories

Author Edith Wharton is best known for her books set amongst the upper-echelon of New York society, including "The House of Mirth" and "The Age of Innocence," (the latter of which won her the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction). But Wharton also wrote two American classics that take place in rural settings: the then-scandalous tale of youthful rebellion,"Summer" and her haunting novel of love and regret, "Ethan Frome." Both have gone on to be considered among the finest novels of the early 20th century.

"Summer" is one of only two novels Edith Wharton wrote that takes place in a rural setting (the other being her classic "Ethan Frome.") Given the subject matter (and the behavior of its lead character), the book was considered scandalous in its day, but it is now considered a classic of early 20th century American literature. The story follows the life and sexual awakening of Charity Royall, a young girl living in a small town who has dreams of moving out of her poverty-stricken community.

"Ethan Frome" is one of Edith Wharton's best known works and has become a staple of American literature classes around the globe since it was first published in 1911. The story is a simple tale of desire, regret and forbidden love. The title character, Ethan, has resigned himself to living in a loveless, sterile marriage with his wife Zenobia. But when his wife's young cousin Mattie moves into the house and both she and Ethan are drawn together, it begins a romance that can only end in heartbreak... or tragedy.

"The House of Mirth" was the breakthrough novel for Edith Wharton and its immediate commercial and critical success put her on the American literary map. Based on Wharton's own experiences among the elite of the New York City social set in the late 1890's, "The House of Mirth" is both a fascinating glimpse into the upper-reaches of high society and a searing satire of the cruelties, frivolities and hypocrisy of the city's ultra-rich.

In A Motor Flight through France, Pulitzer Prize–winning author Edith Wharton invites readers on an extraordinary journey through the French countryside at the dawn of the motor age. Based on her 1906 road trip—an ambitious endeavor at a time when automobiles were still a...

“Getting at once to the heart of things: that was the secret. But how many people know it, or had any idea where the heart of things really was?…” “He could not imagine putting down on paper anything that had not risen slowly to the verge of his consciousness, that had not to be fished...

Love. Perhaps the one word solution for everything. An emotion, a state of mind that we strive for, search for. A wondrous force that binds, inspires, and a force that can spin out of control; unbalanced and fragile. Love reflects, changes and embraces us all. In this series we explore the many facets of love through literary talents that span both time and country.

In Twilight Sleep, Wharton masterfully critiques the lives of the wealthy, showcasing her ability to satirize their excesses while revealing a surprising sense of compassion and even a touch of admiration for some of her characters. Each individual, no matter how minor, is brought to life with vivid detail. Yet, beneath the surface of their bustling lives lies a profound emptiness and a pervasive sense of inauthenticity. This novel serves as a brilliant exploration of evasion and the hollowness of high society. - Summary by T. A. Copeland

Step back in time with Old New York (1924), a captivating collection of four novellas by Edith Wharton—False Dawn, The Old Maid, The Spark, and New Years Day. Set against the backdrop of upper-class New York City society, these stories explore the intricate dynamics and social mores of the 1840s through the 1870s, illuminating the lives and struggles of its characters. - Summary from Wikipedia

To be a woman is to be half the world’s population but, in many countries, unfortunately still now and for most of history, women were decidedly second class, normally no more than chattels and the bearers and nurturers of children. As society involved into a complex and overlapping system where education and equality begin to seek space things began to change. In this volume our authors describe and reveal how life actually felt for almost all women before the recent past.

Step beyond the lamplight and into the gilded darkness of a vanished world. Ghost Stories from the Gilded Age is a classic ghost story anthology featuring eerie tales by female authors who defied convention—Charlotte Perkins Gilman, Edith Wharton, Kate Chopin, and more. Narrated by an all-star ensemble of Audie, SOVAS, and One Voice award winners and nominees, this haunting audiobook collection blends Gothic elegance with supernatural unease.

On a snowbound night in a quiet New England village, young architect George Faxon finds himself unexpectedly stranded—only to be drawn into the lavish yet uneasy world of Overdale, the grand estate of the enigmatic John Lavington. What begins as a seemingly hospitable invitation soon turns chilling as shadows gather and hidden truths begin to stir. As George senses a sinister presence looming behind his gracious host, he is faced with a moral reckoning that may cost a young man his life.

In the frozen town of Starkfield, Massachusetts, the quiet and physically broken Ethan Frome toils through a bleak existence alongside his cold, hypochondriac wife, Zeena. When her cousin Mattie Silver arrives to help care for Zeena, Ethan finds himself drawn to her warmth and vitality. As their connection deepens, an impossible choice brews beneath the surface—between passion and obligation, between escape and sacrifice.

Mary and Ned Boyne escape their mundane life in Wisconsin, seeking solace in the tranquil landscapes of Dorsetshire. However, some shadows are not easily left behind, and hidden secrets may have a way of following you. Dive into a haunting and poignant ghost story from one of the genres true masters, narrated by John Silence.