The Descent of Man and Other Stories

by Edith Wharton

Overview

Edith Wharton's books are national treasures. Her sharp eye and dagger-wit takes on marriage, friendship, love and even a ghost in these collected short stories. (Amazon)

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9783987448911
Publisher:	Otbebookpublishing
Publication date:	11/24/2022
Series:	Classics To Go
Sold by:	Bookwire
Format:	eBook
Pages:	173
File size:	831 KB

About the Author

Edith Wharton (1862-1937) was a pioneering American novelist, short story writer, and designer whose works offer a vivid portrayal of the Gilded Age and early 20th-century society. Born into a wealthy New York family, Wharton was privy to the opulence and constraints of high society, experiences she deftly critiqued in her writing. Her most famous works, including "The Age of Innocence" and "Ethan Frome," explore themes of social class, morality, and the often stifling nature of societal expectations.Wharton was not just a chronicler of her times but also a revolutionary figure in literature. She was the first woman to win the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1921, breaking barriers for female authors. Her friendship with Henry James influenced her narrative style, marked by psychological depth and keen social observation. Wharton's works often spotlight the limited roles available to women, subtly advocating for greater autonomy and self-determination.Controversially, Wharton was known for her candid opinions and sometimes conservative views, which sparked debates among her contemporaries. Despite this, her influence on modern writers is undeniable, with her intricate character studies and elegant prose continuing to inspire. Wharton also made significant contributions to interior design and landscape architecture, reflecting her multifaceted talents.Her legacy endures not only through her literary achievements but also through her efforts in humanitarian work during World War I, for which she was awarded the French Legion of Honor. Edith Wharton remains a towering figure in American literature, her works a testament to her keen insight into the human condition and the complexities of social life.
Edith Wharton (born Edith Newbold Jones; January 24, 1862 – August 11, 1937) was an American novelist, short story writer, and interior designer. Wharton drew upon her insider's knowledge of the upper class New York "aristocracy" to realistically portray the lives and morals of the Gilded Age. In 1921, she became the first woman to win the Pulitzer Prize in Literature, for her novel The Age of Innocence. She was inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame in 1996. Among her other well known works are The House of Mirth and the novella Ethan Frome.

Date of Birth:

January 24, 1862

Date of Death:

August 11, 1937

Place of Birth:

New York, New York

Place of Death:

Saint-Brice-sous-Forêt, France

Education:

Educated privately in New York and Europe