The House of Mirth

Lily Bart, a beautiful and charming young woman raised in New York's high society, lacks personal wealth. To maintain her accustomed extravagant lifestyle, she seeks to marry a wealthy man. Despite numerous proposals from suitors, these efforts prove unsuccessful, and her thoughts turn toward a man she genuinely loves. Weighed down by debt, betrayal, and gossip, Lily confronts the harsh realities beneath the surface of the Gilded Age. Originally serialized in Scribner's Magazine, the novel became a bestseller upon its full publication in 1905. It marked Edith Wharton's first major popular and critical success. The book has since been adapted into two feature films and remains read by contemporary audiences. This ebook has been professionally proofread for accuracy and readability across devices.