The House of Mirth

A world of elegance and exclusion, where status is fragile and survival depends on perception.

In The House of Mirth, Edith Wharton presents a sharply observed portrait of New York high society at the turn of the twentieth century, examining the pressures placed on individuals within a rigid social and economic hierarchy. With precision and restraint, the novel explores how wealth, reputation, and expectation shape personal fate.

The story follows Lily Bart, a woman of intelligence and charm navigating a world where financial security is closely tied to marriage and social standing. As she moves through a network of elite relationships, she must balance personal inclination against the demands of convention. Small missteps, shifting alliances, and the subtle workings of reputation gradually alter her position, revealing the instability beneath outward refinement.

Wharton’s narrative exposes the cost of maintaining status in a society governed by unspoken rules, where appearances often outweigh authenticity. The House of Mirth endures as a powerful exploration of class, gender, and the consequences of social constraint.

This Carlini Classics edition presents the complete, unabridged text in a beautifully designed format made to last.

• A classic novel of society, status, and personal struggle
• A nuanced exploration of class, gender, and expectation
• A timeless reflection on ambition, constraint, and consequence

Available in multiple formats:

• Paperback & Hardcover: Beautifully designed print editions presenting the complete, unabridged text made to last.

• Ebook: DRM-free EPUB compatible with Kindle, Kobo, Apple Books, and all major e-readers.

• Audiobook: Professionally narrated, complete and unabridged, available on all major audiobook platforms.

Elegantly produced and enduring in form, this edition preserves Wharton’s incisive storytelling in a volume designed for lasting reflection.

About the author

Edith Wharton (1862–1937) was a Pulitzer Prize-winning American novelist, short story writer, and designer, renowned for her sharp social commentary and penetrating exploration of human relationships. Best known for classics like The Age of Innocence and The House of Mirth, she captured the constraints and complexities of Gilded Age society with wit, elegance, and psychological depth. A trailblazer in literature, Wharton remains one of the most celebrated voices in American fiction.