Edith Wharton (1862–1937) was an American novelist and short story writer known for her keen insights into the lives of the American upper class. Her major works, including "The Age of Innocence" and "Ethan Frome," won critical acclaim for their detailed portrayal of society and personal struggle. Wharton was the first Woman to win the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, and her literary contributions remain essential to American Literature. Her stories, rich in social Observation and psychological depth, continue to captivate readers and scholars alike.
Anecdotes
- Designed and built her own home, The Mount, where she wrote some of her most famous works. Fond of dogs, she kept a pack of them at her estate, treating them as Family. Despite her aristocratic background, she supported French Soldiers during World War I, driving ambulances and establishing refugee shelters.
- Fluent in French, German, and Italian, she often wrote her letters and diary entries in these languages. Hosted some of the most famous literary figures of her Time, including Henry James and F. Scott Fitzgerald, at her esteemed gatherings. A passionate gardener, she spent hours meticulously designing and working on her gardens, considering them key to her creative process.
- Became the first woman to win the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1921, breaking new ground in literary acclaim. Designed and built her own home, The Mount, which reflected her theories on Architecture and interior design. Contributed significantly to Relief efforts during World War I, including establishing hostels for refugees and helping with medical aid in France.
Magnitudes
- Write with elegance, observe with ruthless Honesty.
- Challenge conventions to forge your unique path.
- Craft elegance through discipline, not excess.
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