The Cambridge Introduction to Edith Wharton

Born in New York into a world of wealth and privilege, andwriting with unique insight into the lives of the rich andfashionable, Edith Wharton was a best-seller in her time, and isnow, again, one of the most widely read American authors. This bookprovides an accessible and stimulating introduction to Wharton'slife and writings, to help map her work for new readers, and toencourage more detailed exploration of her texts and contexts.Suggesting a range of perspectives on her most famous novels – TheHouse of Mirth (1905), Ethan Frome (1911), The Custom of theCountry (1913) and The Age of Innocence (1920) – it stimulatesfresh lines of inquiry, examining these alongside other writingsthat are now attracting lively critical interest. With its clearstructure, illustrations, and guide to further study, this bookwill form the ideal starting-point for students and for generalreaders.