The House of Mirth

Dive into the captivating world of The House of Mirth, an essential classic by Edith Wharton. This Penguin English Library Edition invites you to explore the tumultuous lives of its characters through the lens of early 20th-century New York socialites. In this timeless narrative, we meet Lily Bart, a dazzling young woman navigating the complexities of a society that values beauty over substance. As she flits between lavish parties and high-society expectations, her desire for independence clashes with the harsh realities of her existence. Wharton’s piercing critique of gender roles and societal pressures reveals women as mere consumer items in a world dominated by men.

First published in 1905, The House of Mirth shocked readers with its frank discussions of morality, ambition, and the pitfalls of wealth. Through Lily's journey, readers witness the relentless pursuit of happiness, the inherent struggles for personal freedom, and the drastic consequences of societal judgment. This B-format paperback, published by Penguin UK in 2012, boasts 416 pages full of rich prose that continues to resonate today.

This edition is part of The Penguin English Library, celebrating the finest English novels, perfect for literature aficionados and newcomers alike. Whether you're revisiting this classic or discovering it for the first time, The House of Mirth promises to spark contemplation and discussion about our contemporary world and the timeless themes of love, loss, and societal expectation.

Condition: BRAND NEW
ISBN: 9780141199023
Format: B-format paperback
Year: 2012
Publisher: Penguin UK
Pages: 416


Description:
The Penguin English Library Edition of The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton

'It was characteristic of her that she always roused speculation, that her simplest acts seemed the result of far-reaching intentions'

A searing, shocking tale of women as consumer items in a man's world, The House of Mirth sees Lily Bart, beautiful and charming, living among the wealthy families of New York but reluctant to finally commit herself to a husband. In her search for freedom and the happiness she feels she deserves, Lily is ultimately ruined by scandal.
Edith Wharton's shattering novel created controversy on its publication in 1905 with its scathing portrayal of the world's wealthy and the prison that marriage can become.

The Penguin English Library - 100 editions of the best fiction in English, from the eighteenth century and the very first novels to the beginning of the First World War.