Biography The Muse’s Tragedy

edith wharton, writer of muse s tragedy

edith wharton (newbold jones) born on 24 january 1862 in new york. third child of georges frederic , lucretia jones (a rich family - mother aristocrat). during childhood, edith brilliant girl , teenager began write short story called fast , loose . cultivated , keen on world surrounding her, become close friend walter berry, expert in french literature.

later, married edward robbins (in 1885) , travelled in europe, particularly paris. success bothered husband made couple unhappy; consequence, , because of edward s instability, broke in 1911.

the year 1887 important because wrote first major book: decoration of house. creativity can seen through house designed , built named mount (in 1901). house had inspired her, example wrote house of mirth in 1911.

as lover of french culture, decided settle in paris in 1907. there, rubbed shoulders great , of french society: andré gide, jean cocteau, , paul bourget. during world war i, did not put career aside: indeed, edith wharton founded american hostels refugees, collected donations , visited front hospitals, wrote account of visits in fighting france: dunkerque belfort.

the success of wharton’s career reached peak in 1921, publication of age of innocence, allowing win pulitzer prize, , becoming first woman receive it. same year, dearest friend walter berry died, plunging deep sorrow. tribute, started writing children, can considered major best-seller.

after first heart attack in 1935, edith wharton transported pavillon colombes 2 years later, died in august 11th.

she buried in cemetery of versailles alongside walter berry.