The Collected Works of Edith Wharton

Edith Wharton's "The Collected Works of Edith Wharton" presents a comprehensive anthology of her literary genius, showcasing her incisive exploration of early 20th-century American society, class, gender, and morality. With a remarkable command of prose, Wharton's stylistic choices range from sharp social commentary to lush, descriptive passages, reflecting the complexity of her characters and settings. The collection includes celebrated works such as "The Age of Innocence" and "The House of Mirth," which exemplify her ability to critique the societal norms of her time while engaging readers with intricate narratives that delve into the psychology of her characters. Edith Wharton (1862-1937), the first woman to win the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, was deeply influenced by her affluent upbringing in a socially prominent New York family. Her firsthand experiences with high society provided her an intimate understanding of its intricacies and contradictions, themes that permeate her works. Wharton's extensive travels and her engagement with European literary movements further enriched her narrative techniques, establishing her as a pioneering force in American literature. This anthology is highly recommended for anyone seeking to grasp the nuances of Wharton's literary landscape and the critical insights she offers into the human experience. Whether you are a seasoned reader of literary classics or new to Wharton's oeuvre, her collected works offer a fascinating lens through which to understand the complexities of societal expectations and personal desires.

In this enriched edition, we have carefully created added value for your reading experience:
- A comprehensive Introduction outlines these selected works' unifying features, themes, or stylistic evolutions.
- The Author Biography highlights personal milestones and literary influences that shape the entire body of writing.
- A Historical Context section situates the works in their broader era—social currents, cultural trends, and key events that underpin their creation.
- A concise Synopsis (Selection) offers an accessible overview of the included texts, helping readers navigate plotlines and main ideas without revealing critical twists.
- A unified Analysis examines recurring motifs and stylistic hallmarks across the collection, tying the stories together while spotlighting the different work's strengths.
- Reflection questions inspire deeper contemplation of the author's overarching message, inviting readers to draw connections among different texts and relate them to modern contexts.
- Lastly, our hand‐picked Memorable Quotes distill pivotal lines and turning points, serving as touchstones for the collection's central themes.

Edith Wharton, an American novelist, short story writer, and designer, stands as one of the early 20th century's literary luminaries. Born into a wealthy New York family on January 24, 1862, she was christened Edith Newbold Jones, from whence the saying 'keeping up with the Joneses' purportedly derives. Her life's journey encompasses over 40 books, including novels, short story collections, poetry, and non-fiction, many of which are gathered in 'The Collected Works of Edith Wharton'. Wharton's narrative style is distinguished by incisive social commentary and a deep interest in the inner lives and moral struggles of her characters. Achieving critical acclaim during her lifetime, Wharton broke social barriers by becoming the first woman to win a Pulitzer Prize for Fiction with her novel 'The Age of Innocence' in 1921. Furthermore, she held a nomination for the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1927. Typically, her works dissect the rigid confines of upper-class society to which she was born while showcasing her adept understanding of cultural and psychological nuances. Among scholars, Wharton's writings are regarded as embodying the transitional period in American literature from a genteel tradition to a form embracing the modern sensibility. She died on August 11, 1937, in France, leaving behind a legacy as a pioneer among female writers and a sharp critic of social pretenses and human follies.