1862–1937 · American novelist
Pulitzer Prize for the Novel, 1921
Edith Wharton
Edith Wharton (1862–1937) was an American writer and designer born in New York City.
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Edith Wharton (1862–1937) was an American novelist known for fiction about love and social pressure. Begin with Ethan Frome, about a farmer caught between marriage and desire. Read or listen here: eBook, audiobook and 15-minute summary, and paperback, hardcover or large print, printed at cost, free to start.
Where to start with Edith Wharton
Free to read nowEthan FromeFor a shorter first read, follow a poor farmer whose love for his wife's cousin offers hope of change.
Read nextThe Age of InnocenceEnter wealthy New York society through an engaged lawyer's divided loyalties, with more time to settle into its social pressures.
Read nextThe House of MirthChoose a longer read following Lily Bart as she depends on wealthy friends and hesitates over marriage.
Edith Wharton's books in order
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Novels
| # | First published | Book | Kind | Listening time | Read |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1900 | The Touchstone A lawyer sells private letters and struggles with his conscience. | Novel | 3 h 3 min | Free to startRead free |
| 2 | 1905 | The House of Mirth A woman without wealth struggles to keep her social place. | Novel | 14 h 52 min | Free to startRead free |
| 3 | 1911 | Ethan Frome A poor farmer struggles between marriage and love for another woman. | Novel | 3 h 59 min | FreeRead free · no sign-up |
| 4 | 1912 | The Reef A diplomat’s brief affair threatens his hopes of marriage. | Novel | 11 h 5 min | Free to startRead free |
| 5 | 1913 | The Custom of the Country A young woman uses marriage to pursue wealth and status. | Novel | 16 h 5 min | Free to startRead free |
| 6 | 1917 | Summer A young woman seeks love beyond her narrow village life. | Novel | 6 h 33 min | Free to startRead free |
| 7 | 1920 | The Age of Innocence An engaged lawyer falls in love against his society’s rules. | Novel | 11 h 40 min | Free to startRead free |
| 8 | 1922 | The Glimpses of the Moon A couple’s marriage bargain puts love at odds with money. | Novel | 9 h 27 min | Free to startRead free |
| 9 | 1923 | A Son at the Front An American painter faces his son's involvement in war. | Novel | 11 h 16 min | Free to startRead free |
Letters and non-fiction
| # | First published | Book | Kind | Listening time | Read |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1897 | The Decoration of Houses A guide to shaping rooms around architecture rather than clutter. | Non-fiction | 7 h 10 min | Free to startRead free |
Read and hear all 10 Edith Wharton books
eBook, audiobook and 15-minute summary, and printed at cost price as a paperback, hardcover or large print. Household access for the whole family. Free to start.
About Edith Wharton
Edith Wharton (1862–1937) was an American writer and designer born in New York City. She later lived in France, where she died. Her books include The House of Mirth (1905), Ethan Frome (1911), and The Age of Innocence (1920). She co-wrote The Decoration of Houses with Ogden Codman Jr. in 1897.
- Born
- 1862
- Died
- 1937
- Best known for
- Ethan Frome, The Age of Innocence, The House of Mirth
Edith Wharton in a few words
No article on Mrs. Wharton would be complete unless mention was made of her passion for gardening and her art in developing beautiful gardens, both at her home in Hyères and at St. Brice, near Paris.
Questions about Edith Wharton
In what order should I read Edith Wharton?
Read in order of first publication, oldest first, as the table on this page shows, or begin with the start picks. Choose publication order to follow her writing over time, or the picks to begin with a story that interests you.
Where do I start with Edith Wharton?
Start with Ethan Frome for a shorter read about a farmer caught between marriage and love for another woman. For New York society instead, try The Age of Innocence or the longer The House of Mirth.
What is generally regarded as Edith Wharton's most famous book?
Ethan Frome is a good starting point. It follows a poor farmer in Massachusetts whose growing love for his wife's cousin offers hope of change.
Which Edith Wharton books are the shortest?
By listening time, the shortest are The Touchstone (3 hours and 3 minutes), Ethan Frome (3 hours and 59 minutes) and Summer (6 hours and 33 minutes).
Can I get Edith Wharton's books in print?
Yes. Every book here comes as a paperback, hardcover or large print, printed when you order; start free and you pay only the cost of printing. If you would rather start reading before choosing a printed book, Ethan Frome is free to read.
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