Reading the classics: The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton
The book: “The House of Mirth” was serialized in Scribner’s Magazine in 1905, and describes the customs and ways of the wealthy class in New York in the early 1900s. The book is considered her first major work, and Wharton is thought to skillfully criticize and satirize the society it describes. The author: Edith Wharton was born in 1862 into the rich society, which she writes about in her books. She was taught at home by a governess, and at an early age started writing stories. At 15 her parents had some of her poems privately published, and at 16 she had finished her first novella; Fast and Loose. At 17 she made her debut into society and was a great success, despite being very shy. In 1885 Edith married Edward R. “Teddy” Wharton (her maiden name was Jones) and settled in New York City and Newport, Rhode Island. As Edith became more famous the marriage suffered, and in 1913 they divorced, both having had affairs. Edith settled in France and sta...