This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

1. 1. The Age of Innocence

   

   Set in the 1870s, the novel revolves around Newland Archer, a young lawyer from New York's high society, who is engaged to the beautiful and conventional May Welland. His life takes a turn when he meets May's cousin, the Countess Ellen Olenska, who has returned from Europe after leaving her scandalous husband. Torn between his duty and passion, Archer struggles with the constraints of the society he is a part of. The book offers a vivid portrayal of the struggle between individual desires and societal expectations in the upper-class New York society of the late 19th century.

   The 92nd Greatest Book of All Time

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2. 2. The House of Mirth

   

   Set in the backdrop of New York's high society during the turn of the 20th century, the novel follows the life of Lily Bart, a beautiful but impoverished woman of social standing. As she navigates the pressures and expectations of her social circle, Lily grapples with the need to secure a wealthy husband to maintain her lifestyle. However, her romantic inclinations and her desire for personal freedom come into conflict with societal norms, leading to her tragic downfall.

   The 217th Greatest Book of All Time

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3. 3. Ethan Frome

   

   Set in a bleak New England landscape, the book tells the story of Ethan Frome, a poor, hardworking farmer who is married to a sickly, bitter woman named Zeena. When Zeena's young cousin Mattie comes to live with them, Ethan becomes infatuated with her, leading to a tragic love triangle. The narrative explores themes of passion, duty, and the oppressive nature of rural poverty.

   The 490th Greatest Book of All Time

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4. 4. The Custom of the Country

   

   The book follows the ambitious and cunning Undine Spragg, a beautiful Midwestern girl who marries her way into New York high society. Undine's insatiable desire for wealth, status, and comfort leads her through a series of marriages and divorces, each time climbing higher on the social ladder. However, her ruthless pursuit of success and disregard for social norms ultimately leave her feeling empty and dissatisfied. The novel offers a critique of American society and its values during the early 20th century.

   The 736th Greatest Book of All Time

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5. 5. The Ghost Stories Of Edith Wharton

   

   This collection features an array of chilling and atmospheric tales that explore the supernatural and the psychological depths of fear. Set against the backdrop of Wharton's keen observations of society and human nature, each story delves into themes of isolation, the unknown, and the eerie presence of the past. With her characteristic elegance and wit, the narratives weave together elements of suspense and the macabre, leaving readers with a haunting sense of mystery and the uncanny. Through vivid settings and complex characters, the stories capture the essence of ghostly encounters and the lingering shadows they cast on the living.

   The 2849th Greatest Book of All Time

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6. 6. Collected Short Stories

   

   This anthology brings together a diverse collection of narratives that delve into the complexities of human nature, social mores, and the subtle intricacies of personal relationships during the turn of the 20th century. The stories, penned by a prominent figure in American literature, often explore the lives of the upper-class society and the constraints imposed by its rigid conventions. With keen psychological insight and a sharp eye for detail, the author weaves tales that reveal the underlying tensions and hypocrisies of the time, while also highlighting the struggles of individuals—particularly women—as they navigate the social landscape of their era.

   The 9113th Greatest Book of All Time

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7. 7. Here And Beyond

   

   The book is a collection of short stories that delve into themes of the supernatural, the afterlife, and the complexities of human emotions. Each story explores the boundaries between the known and the unknown, often featuring characters who encounter mysterious or otherworldly experiences that challenge their perceptions of reality. Through richly detailed narratives and Wharton's keen insight into human nature, the stories examine the interplay between the tangible world and the ethereal, inviting readers to ponder the mysteries that lie beyond everyday existence.

   The 9374th Greatest Book of All Time

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8. 8. Tales Of Men And Ghosts

   

   The book is a collection of ten short stories that explore the complexities of human nature and the supernatural. Each tale delves into themes of ambition, desire, and the unseen forces that influence people's lives, often blending psychological insight with elements of the uncanny. The stories are set in various social contexts and feature characters grappling with moral dilemmas, societal expectations, and the haunting presence of past actions. Through her vivid storytelling and keen observations, the author examines the interplay between reality and the spectral, leaving readers to ponder the boundaries between the two.

   The 9374th Greatest Book of All Time

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9. 9. Xingu And Other Stories

   

   The book is a collection of witty and insightful short stories that explore the intricacies of social dynamics and human behavior among the American upper class in the early 20th century. Through sharp dialogue and keen observations, the stories delve into themes of pretension, societal expectations, and the often humorous attempts of individuals to navigate their social environments. Each story offers a unique perspective on the complexities of relationships and the subtle power plays that occur within social circles, highlighting Wharton's skillful critique of the cultural norms of her time.

   The 9374th Greatest Book of All Time

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10. 10. Ghosts

    

    The story revolves around the supernatural and the psychological as it explores themes of isolation, fear, and the unknown. It delves into the eerie experiences of its characters, who encounter ghostly apparitions and unsettling occurrences that challenge their perceptions of reality. The narrative is rich with atmospheric tension and examines the impact of the past on the present, as well as the thin line between sanity and madness. Through its haunting and suspenseful elements, the book provides a profound commentary on human emotions and the complexities of the human psyche.

    The 9799th Greatest Book of All Time

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11. 11. Summer

    

    "Summer" is a novel that explores the life of Charity Royall, a young woman living in a small New England town. Raised by a guardian from whom she seeks independence, Charity falls in love with Lucius Harney, an architect visiting from the city. Their romance exposes her to new experiences and emotions, but also leads to conflict and difficult choices. The novel delves into themes of sexual awakening, social class, and personal freedom, capturing the complexities of a young woman's transition into adulthood against the backdrop of a rigid society.

    The 15897th Greatest Book of All Time

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