Since its publication in 1905 The House of Mirth has commanded attention for the sharpness of Wharton's observations and the power of her style. Its heroine, Lily Bart, is beautiful, poor, and unmarried at 29. In her search for a husband with money and position she betrays her own heart and sows the seeds of the tragedy that finally overwhelms her. The House of Mirth is a lucid, disturbing analysis of the stifling limitations imposed upon women of Wharton's generation. Herself born into Old New York Society, Wharton watched as an entirely new set of people living by new codes of conduct entered the metropolitan scene. In telling the story of Lily Bart, who must marry to survive, Wharton recasts the age-old themes of family, marriage, and money in ways that transform the traditional novel of manners into an arresting modern document of cultural anthropology. ABOUT THE SERIES: For over 100 years Oxford World's Classics has made available the widest range of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford's commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, helpful notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more.
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Gore Vidal There are only three or four American novelists who can be thought of as "major," and Edith Wharton is one.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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The tragic fall of Lily Bart, a beautiful socialite who loses her footing in the savage social-climbing world of New York high society in the nineteenth century
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12 of 12 people found the following review helpful
By Misfit
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Format:Paperback
"The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning, but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth" Ecclesiastes 7:4 KJV. Hence begins the story of Lily Bart, raised from birth with no other purpose in life than to be a beautiful ornament to society. Lily is left with little money of her own and must rely on family and friends until she can make an advantageous marriage. Unfortunately, she makes some poor choices in life which diminish her social status, which eventually leads her to attempts to eke out a living among the working class.
Wharton, who grew up in this same environment, pulls no punches. We see both the glamour and richness of late 19th century New York society, along with it's evil underside. Wharton's prose is glorious, but you have to pay attention and not wander or you'll end up back tracking and reading that paragraph again so as not to miss the story, you want to slow down and enjoy it like a fine red wine or a box of chocolate (or both). If you enjoy classic literature with a soap opera melodramatic tone to it (like Hardy's Tess), this should be right up your alley. So many times Lily and Seldon missed their opportunity for happiness! Have the hanky ready for the last chapters, you'll need it.
Wharton, who grew up in this same environment, pulls no punches. We see both the glamour and richness of late 19th century New York society, along with it's evil underside. Wharton's prose is glorious, but you have to pay attention and not wander or you'll end up back tracking and reading that paragraph again so as not to miss the story, you want to slow down and enjoy it like a fine red wine or a box of chocolate (or both). If you enjoy classic literature with a soap opera melodramatic tone to it (like Hardy's Tess), this should be right up your alley. So many times Lily and Seldon missed their opportunity for happiness! Have the hanky ready for the last chapters, you'll need it.
23 of 24 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
In 'House of Mirth', Wharton's prose, timing and deft touch are all much in evidence. What makes this an especially enjoyable work is its unpredictibility. Whilst 'The Age of Innocence' is perhaps Wharton's most famous novel, 'House of Mirth' is more complex (and less cliched, I feel) - and ultimately more satisfying in terms of plot and characterisation.
The novel follows the events surrounding Lily Bart, a society beauty in 19th century New York, who must marry money in order to secure a life of luxury. Lily's flawed character is marvellously fleshed-out - making her a very real heroine. A number of suitors present themselves, but Lily's inability to marry solely for money, the prejudices of New York Society and ultimately - Lily's tendency to play her cards badly - produces a thoroughly absorbing ending.
The film, by the way, does not do the novel justice.
19 of 21 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
Set in 1890's New York, we follow the life of Miss Lily Bart, a dazzling socialite, sharp-witted and beautiful as she whirls amongst the parties and events in the endless social calendar of the fashionable hierarchy. But fortune does not favour Lily; despite her much-admired beauty, she is an impoverished spinster who struggles to keep up with the tremendous expense of living the lifestyle of the exclusive rich set.
Lily's descent into poverty is terribly compelling to witness; scandal follows scandal, as Lily's circle of former acquaintance turns it back on her and leaves only a few caring true friends. Your heart sinks with every step down the social ladder for Lily, and the close of the novel is tragic and moving. Despite her flaws, you are still rooting for Lily to regain her rightful status in genteel society, and this is evidence enough that Edith Wharton was a masterful storyteller. I have yet to see the film of the novel, starring Gillian Anderson as Lily, but if it remains true to the novel, then it must be worth seeing.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
A true classic
I've just finished the free kindle version of this book and am completely in awe of it. It's a classic that I've heard of but never read and am now planning to read more Wharton! Read more
Published 2 days ago by Cocktail Girl Glamour
5.0 out of 5 stars
The House of Mirth
I have just started reading The House of Mirth, and I really like it; I had already read another book by Edith Wharton.And I like her writing
Published 19 days ago by kibodi
3.0 out of 5 stars
The House of Mirth - worth sticking with
I'm glad I read this to the end, as it left me with a lot to think about. Nevertheless, it was hard going, mostly, I think, because it was written about such a narrow and... Read more
Published 1 month ago by Wilkie Martin
4.0 out of 5 stars
Engaging style and thought-provoking plot
I loved Edith Wharton's writing style and thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It raised lots of questions about the impact of class, gender, and wealth on people's lives, which... Read more
Published 2 months ago by SueHS
5.0 out of 5 stars
Tale of a flawed heroine
This is the second work of Wharton that I have read, the first being the spectacular "Age of Innocence" (which I understand was written after "House of Mirth" as an apology for... Read more
Published 3 months ago by Lauren G
4.0 out of 5 stars
A novel that will make you cry.
My heart was torn asunder by this novel. A touch too sentimental, but written with great insight and understanding of society and the fallen woman.
Published 3 months ago by Sarah Kendal
5.0 out of 5 stars
The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton
This is a great novel full of sharp,subtle and compassionate insights. The central character, Lily Bart, is not presented as a heroine yet commends herself increasingly as a proud,... Read more
Published 4 months ago by PJB
5.0 out of 5 stars
magnificent
This is a captivating account of the lives of wealthy nineteenth century New Yorkers.
It holds the reader spellbound with the twists and turns of the great social chess... Read more
It holds the reader spellbound with the twists and turns of the great social chess... Read more
Published 5 months ago by thetruthshallsetyefree
5.0 out of 5 stars
The House of Mirth
This novel is compelling from the first page. Very fine writing - a rare thing, and something to be celebrated :-)
Published 5 months ago by Ruth Lanser
5.0 out of 5 stars
The House of Mirth - Edith Wharton
Oh, this is wonderful! Wharton is sharp and compassionate, and writes about turn of the century American social life with humanity and horror. Read more
Published 6 months ago by RachelWalker
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