Showing results by author "Edith Wharton" in All Categories

Countess Ellen Olenska, separated from her European husband, returns to old New York society. She bears with her an independence and an awareness of life which stirs the educated sensitivity of the charming Newland Archer, engaged to be married to her cousin, May Welland. Though he accepts the society's standards and rules he is acutely aware of their limitations. He knows May will assure him a conventional future but Ellen, scandalously separated from her husband, forces Archer to question his values and beliefs.

Twelve dramatisations of the best love stories ever written, performed by star casts Treat yourself to this stunning collection of classic stories of love, loss, obstacles overcome and desperate attraction. This is a beautiful, moving and at times thrilling listen which takes you on a journey...

Dive into Edith Whartons captivating second collection of short stories, published in 1901. This anthology features seven engaging tales, including Copy A Dialogue, which unfolds as a short play. Enjoy the stellar performances of Arielle Lipshaw as Hilda and Mark F. Smith as Ventnor, brought to life by the talented Elizabeth Klett.

Ethan Frome, a poignant novel published in 1911 by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Edith Wharton, transports readers to the fictional town of Starkfield, Massachusetts. Through the eyes of an unnamed narrator, we delve into the life of Ethan Frome, a man caught between his dreams and harsh realities, leading to an unexpected and ironic twist of fate. (Summary by Wikipedia)

Published in 1907, this provocative novel delves into the lives of a wealthy mill owner, her socially progressive husband, and their circle of friends. It sparked controversy with its candid exploration of themes such as drug abuse, mercy killing, divorce, and second marriages, making it a compelling read for those interested in societal issues of the time. (Summary by Margaret)

In this captivating collection of ten stories, first published in 1904, Edith Wharton expertly unravels the intricate customs, quirks, and challenges of courtship and marriage among the elite of New York society at the dawn of the twentieth century. While two tales transport us to Italy, the themes of fidelity and the emotional complexities faced by both protagonists and outsiders resonate universally. Whartons signature blend of gentle and sharp irony invites readers to explore the depths of human behavior and relationships. (Summary by Nicholas Clifford)

Edith Wharton, a masterful chronicler of late 19th Century New York Society, invites readers into the tumultuous life of Undine Sprague in this captivating novel. A beautiful and ambitious socialite from Apex City, Undine navigates the complexities of love, marriage, and ambition as she climbs the social ladder from New York to France, leaving a trail of broken hearts and shattered lives in her quest for happiness. Join us as we explore Whartons incisive commentary on the pursuit of status and the human condition. (Summary by Karen Merline)

Dive into Greater Inclination, the captivating debut collection of short stories by Edith Wharton, published in 1899. This remarkable anthology explores timeless themes such as marriage, the complexities of male/female relationships, the intricacies of New York society, and the essence of artistic expression. Notably, one of the stories, The Twilight of the God, is presented in the form of a short play, featuring the compelling voices of mb as Warland and Bruce Pirie as Oberville. Experience the early brilliance of a literary icon with this engaging collection, narrated by Elizabeth Klett.

Dive into Whartons timeless tale of an aging spinster socialite, navigating the treacherous waters of love and wealth in Victorian society. With her heart torn between financial security and true passion, her journey reveals the complexities of ambition, societal expectations, and personal sacrifice. (Summary by BellonaTimes)

Dive into The House of Mirth (1905), a captivating novel by Edith Wharton that follows the life of Lily Bart, a New York socialite determined to find a husband and secure her place among the elite. This groundbreaking work is one of the earliest novels of manners in American literature, boldly addressing the limited social mobility afforded to women in the rigid confines of American Victorian society. (Summary from Wikipedia).

Beautiful, sophisticated and endlessly ambitious Lily Bart endeavours to climb the social ladder of New York's elite by securing a good match and living beyond her means. Now nearing 30 years of age and having rejected several proposals, forever in the hope of finding someone better, her future prospects are threatened. A damning commentary of 20th-century social order, Edith Wharton's tale established her as one of the greatest British novelists of the 1900s.

The Ultimate Classics Collection: Volume Two is the second instalment of our wide-ranging classic collections. Volume Two features 13 essential classic novels from Jane Austen; Edith Wharton; Leo Tolstoy; D.H. Lawrence, and many more, alongside selected poetry from Christina Rossetti; Elizabeth Browning; and Emily Dickinson. Read by a cast of incredible narrators including Joanne Froggatt, Adjoa Andoh, Jonathan Keeble, and many more, this is your new go-to collection to catch up on those classics you've always wanted to hear.

Unabridged readings of four fictional masterpieces Contained in this collection are four more enduring classics, read in full by some of the very best audiobook narrators. With over 32 hours of irresistible storytelling, tracked by chapter for ease of navigation, this is the perfect way to...

Lewis Raycie is sent on a Grand Tour of Europe with instructions from his father to acquire a collection of accepted Art Works. His father's dream is to own a Raphael; instead, Lewis returns with a priceless collection of Renaissance masterpieces by Piero della Francesca and others of equal stature. They are, however, unknown in America. His father is appalled and disinherits him. His family ridicule him. But it is only after Lewis dies that the magnificent collection gets the recognition it really deserves.

The story follows the life of Tina, a young woman caught between the mother who adopted her - the beautiful, upstanding Delia - and her true mother, her plain, unmarried ‘aunt’ Charlotte, who gave Tina up to provide her with a socially acceptable life. The three women live quietly together until Tina’s wedding day, when Delia’s and Charlotte’s hidden jealousies rush to the surface.

Newland Archer is about to announce his engagement to the docile May Welland when he meets her cousin, the mysterious, nonconformist Countess Ellen Olenska. Edith Wharton's elegant portrait of desire and betrayal in Old New York earned her the first Pulitzer Prize for literature ever awarded to a woman.

Penguin Classics presents Edith Wharton's Ethan Frome, adapted for audio and available as a digital download as part of the Penguin English Library series. Read by Nathan Osgood. 'He seemed a part of the mute melancholy landscape, an incarnation of its frozen woe, with all that was warm and...

Nick Lansing and Susy Branch are young, attractive but impoverished New Yorkers. They are in love and decide to marry, but realise their chances of happiness are slim without the wealth and society that their more privileged friends take for granted. Nick and Susy agree to separate when either encounters a more eligible proposition.

It's midnight. Turn out the lights, cuddle with your true love, and shiver to fright-meisters Edgar Allan Poe, Robert Louis Stevenson, and H. P. Lovecraft. Quicken your pulse with the elegant terror of Henry James, Edith Wharton, and Guy de Maupassant. Chortle at the black glee of H. H. Munro and Ambrose Bierce.

The Age of Innocence is a powerful depiction of love and desire in New York's glamorous Gilded Age. When Newland Archer, happily engaged to May Welland, meets his fiancée's cousin Ellen, his entire future is cast into doubt: strong-willed, witty, and entirely unpretentious, Ellen is unlike any woman he has ever met. He is torn between his infatuation for her and his duty to marry May. In subtle and elegant language, Wharton delivers a critical look at the social mores of the time.