Edith Newbold Jones Wharton was born January 24 th , 1862, in New York City. Her family was very well known, and wealthy. When Edith was four years old, the family moved throughout Europe. During this time Edith learned Italian, German, and French. She also learned philosophy, art, literature, and science. Wharton began writing at a young age, and her work even caught the eye of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.

Edith reluctantly married Edward Robbins Wharton in 1885. The couple had very little in common, and Wharton suffered a nervous collapse from her obligations, and her continued desire to write. The couple divorced in 1913, as Edith was having an affair with Morton Fullerton, and Edward was stealing money from Edith to support his mistress. She remained in France after the divorce, and remained there the rest of her life.

Edith published many works during her life including her best known novel, Age of Innocencein 1920. She also published Ethan Frome , The Reef , Hudson River Bracketed , and numerous others. Edith also found time to endeavor in remodeling, redesigning, and art. In 1901, she helped design, and managed the construction of her house or, “The Mount.” This estate is located in Lenox, Massachusetts. The home has an astonishing view of Laurel Lake, and the lavish gardens and landscape are astonishing. The property is now a National Historic Landmark.

Wharton died on August 11 th , 1937, of a stroke, at Pavillon Colombe. The funeral service was held in the American Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in Paris, which her father was a founding member. She was subsequently buried three days after her death, in Cimetiere des Gonards, in Versailles, France.