The Custom of the Country: (Penguin Classics Deluxe Edition)

Description

Edith Wharton’s “The Custom of the Country” (Penguin Classics Deluxe Edition) is a masterful work of literary fiction that delves into the complexities of American society. This edition features an insightful introduction by acclaimed author Sarah Churchwell, enhancing the reader’s understanding of Wharton’s critique of social ambition and moral decay. The novel follows the ambitious Undine Spragg, whose relentless pursuit of status and wealth exposes the shallow underpinnings of the elite. Wharton’s sharp prose and rich characterisations make this a compelling exploration of identity, power, and the cost of desire.