The Age of Innocence

Born into a prominent New York family in 1862, Edith Wharton was immersed in the city's elite social circles from an early age. This upbringing provided her with intimate knowledge of the Gilded Age's upper-class society, which she later depicted in her writing. Fluent in multiple languages, Wharton was well-educated and widely traveled, enriching her literary perspective. Wharton's literary career flourished with the publication of novels such as The House of Mirth and The Age of Innocence, the latter earning her the distinction of being the first woman to win the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1921. Her works often explore themes of societal constraints and personal freedom, reflecting her critical view of the rigid social norms of her time. Beyond fiction, she co-authored The Decoration of Houses, showcasing her expertise in design and architecture. During World War I, Wharton demonstrated her humanitarian spirit by supporting the French war effort, organizing aid for refugees and the injured. Her experiences during this period influenced her later works and solidified her legacy as a keen observer of human nature and society. Edith Wharton passed away in 1937 in France, leaving behind a rich literary heritage that continues to be celebrated.