Showing results by author "Edith Wharton" in All Categories

These rib-ticklers include Mark Twain's "The Story of the Old Ram" and "The Story of a Speech"; E. P. Butler's "Pigs Is Pigs"; W. A. Butler's "Nothing to Wear"; Charles Dudley Warner's "How I Killed a Bear"; Eugene Field's "Oon Criteek de Bernhardt", William Livingstone Alden's "Carrie's Comedy", and Edith Wharton's "The Pelican".

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...

Newland Archer is a young lawyer, a member of New York's high society, and engaged to be married to May Welland. Countess Ellen Olenska is May's cousin, and wants a divorce from the Polish nobleman she married. Intelligent and beautiful, she comes back to New York where she tries to fit into the high society life she had before her marriage. Her family and former friends, however, are shocked by the idea of divorce within their social circle, and she finds herself snubbed by her own class.

Newland Archer is a young lawyer, a member of New York’s high society, and engaged to be married to May Welland. Countess Ellen Olenska is May’s cousin, and wants a divorce from the Polish nobleman she married. Intelligent and beautiful, she comes back to New York where she tries to fit into the high society life she had before her marriage. Her family and former friends, however, are shocked by the idea of divorce within their social circle, and she finds herself snubbed by her own class. Ellen and Newland fall in love and must choose between passion and conventions.

Della Ralston is hosting her cousin Charlotte when she finds out a surprising fact - Charlotte is the mother of Tina, a young girl living at a nearby orphanage. Charlotte has kept the child a secret for many years and is set to be married to Joe Ralston, a man who does not know about this secret daughter. Della is quickly pulled into a plot to ensure that Charlotte is not separated from her daughter. When a series of circumstances ends with Charlotte and Tina moving into Della’s home, Della and Charlotte work to ensure that Tina has a chance at a good future.

An original compilation of eight of Edith Wharton’s gothic stories A ghostly presence in “The Lady’s Maid’s Bell” desires revenge against a tyrannical husband. In “Mr. Jones,” Lady Jane Lynke inherits an estate unexpectedly and can’t make sense of how to manage the...

A respected lawyer and scion of one of Manhattan’s most important families, Newland Archer knows what people expect of him and is eager to comply. The first step on the path to happiness is to wed May Welland, a beautiful young woman of fine social standing. But the arrival of the worldly and exotic Countess Olenska, May’s cousin, changes everything. Ellen Olenska’s scandalous intention to divorce her husband, a Polish nobleman, is so far outside the realm of Newland’s experience that he cannot help but be fascinated by her, and by the independence she represents.

In the glittering salons and drawing rooms of Gilded Age New York, where wealth is worshipped and reputations are fragile, Lily Bart is the star of the show. At twenty-nine, she is beautiful, charming and socially adept – bred for a life of luxury and yet, after her father's loss of wealth, is teetering on the edge of poverty. Lily needs to marry rich – and quickly – but every time the opportunity knocks in the form of a dull financier or a crass heir, she recoils.

American writer Edith Wharton is known for her novels of manners set in old New York; yet much of her adult life was spent in France. She lived in Paris throughout World War I and was heavily involved in refugee work. Her 1918 novella The Marne dramatizes the events of the war as seen through the eyes of 15-year-old Troy Belknap, an American boy who longs to join up and save his beloved France. (Summary by Elizabeth Klett)

The Decoration of Houses, a manual of interior design written by Edith Wharton with architect Ogden Codman, was first published in 1897. In the book, the authors denounced Victorian-style interior decoration and interior design, especially those rooms that were decorated with heavy window curtains, Victorian bric-a-brac and overstuffed furniture. They argued that such rooms emphasized upholstery at the expense of proper space planning and architectural design and were, therefore, uncomfortable and rarely used. Wharton and Codman advocated the creation of houses with rooms decorated with strong...

The Age of Innocence centers on an upper-class couple's impending marriage, and the introduction of a woman plagued by scandal whose presence threatens their happiness. Though the novel questions the assumptions and morals of 1870s' New York society, it never devolves into an outright condemnation of the institution. In fact, Wharton considered this novel an "apology" for her earlier, more brutal and critical novel, The House of Mirth. Not to be overlooked is Wharton's attention to detailing the charms and customs of the upper caste. The novel is lauded for its accurate portrayal of how the ...

Edith Wharton's 1913 novel is a devastating critique of American upward mobility, told through the journey of Undine Spragg from fictional Midwestern Apex City to New York to Paris. Undine is determined to acquire money and position through marriage, even if it means multiple divorces. - Summary by Elizabeth Klett

In Edith Whartons poignant early novella, we follow the journey of Kate Orme, who starts off blissfully in love with her fiancé, only to uncover a dark and shocking secret that will change everything. Join Elizabeth Klett as she brings this gripping tale to life.This show includes AI-generated content.

In The Edith Wharton Library, we open the drawing-room doors of another age and read the novels, tales, and travels in which society’s bright surfaces so often betray a darker design. Here are marriages arranged like treaties, fortunes that tremble at a whisper, and hearts that learn - too late - the cost of propriety.Each episode offers a full-length chapter reading, patiently and plainly delivered, for listeners who prefer their drama civilized, their comedy edged, and their ghosts the sort that appear most often in daylight.

Odo Valsecca, a young and ambitious nobleman, inherits a dukedom at a tender age and must swiftly navigate the treacherous waters of royal politics. As he engages with rival nobles, the church, and the burgeoning free-thinking movement, Odo faces the daunting challenge of winning the hearts of his subjects—the peasants. Will he rise to power in time, or will the pressures of the Italian court in the seventeenth century prove too much for him? Published in 1902, The Valley of Decision marks Edith Whartons debut full-length novel, skillfully summarized by Mary Kay.

In the gripping tale of Touchstone, Stephen Glennard finds himself at a crossroads as his career crumbles, leaving him desperate for money to marry his beautiful fiancée. When he stumbles upon a tantalizing advertisement in a London magazine offering a chance at financial gain, he sees a glimmer of hope. Once the object of affection for the renowned but recently deceased author Margaret Aubyn, Glennard holds onto her passionate love letters. In a moment of moral weakness, he decides to erase his name from the letters and sell them, striking it rich while betraying the memory of a woman who ...

George Darrow, Anna Leath’s first love, is on his way from London to propose to her. However, his journey takes an unexpected turn when he finds himself entangled in an affair with Sophy Viner, the young and impressionable governess of Anna’s daughter. As Darrow navigates the complexities of his relationships, the stability of Anna’s family hangs in the balance, and his aspirations for success are put to the test. In this captivating novel, Edith Wharton explores the timeless love triangle with her signature wit and elegance, creating a cast of unforgettable characters and vivid scenes. ...

In Long Run, a successful bachelor businessman reflects on the romantic opportunity he lost with a captivating married woman who had enchanted both him and his college buddy in their youth. Join Matt Pierard as he explores the complexities of love, regret, and the choices that shape our lives.This show includes AI-generated content.

Glimpses of the Moon (1922) follows the lives of Nick and Susy Lansing, a couple immersed in the lavish but hollow world of European high society, living off the generosity of their affluent friends. Their marriage, born out of convenience, allows for an open relationship, but neither is prepared for the depth of emotions that begin to surface, challenging their carefree existence. (Summary by Elizabeth Klett)This show includes AI-generated content.

In her groundbreaking 1920 novel, Edith Wharton tells the story of Newland Archer, a privileged gentleman navigating the intricate web of Old New York society. Engaged to the lovely May Welland, Newlands life takes an unexpected turn when he becomes captivated by Mays enigmatic cousin, Ellen Olenska. Recently returned from Europe after a scandalous separation, Ellen challenges the conventions of their world and stirs Newland’s deepest desires. Join us for this compelling journey through love, duty, and societal expectations, narrated by Elizabeth Klett, with proof listening by Stav Nisser & ...