Edith Wharton as Spatial Activist and Analyst (Studies in Major Literary Authors) - Hardcover

Somers, Reneé

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0415975255 ISBN 13: 9780415975254

Publisher: Routledge, 2005

Synopsis

Because she devoted much of her life to exploring the relationships that exist between people and their built environment, Edith Wharton developed a set of philosophies that she expressed in many arenas, including interior design, architecture, and landscaping. Her theories of space were practiced and materially executed, in addition to being expressed in her writing. This book explores Wharton's theories of space in Newport, Rhode Island during the Gilded Age when the town was transformed from a rustic seaport to a playground for the fabulously wealthy. The built environment played a pivotal role as social, economic and personal conflicts were enacted among private and public spaces. As a cultural worker and as an author, Wharton stood squarely in the middle of these conflicts and directly participated in them. Accordingly, the book shows Wharton in a new light by exploring texts such as The Decoration of Houses and The House of Mirth as well as by examining the architecture and aesthetics of three of Wharton's primary homes.

About this title

About the Author

Renee Somers is an Assistant Professor of English at La Guardia Community College in Queens. She is the co-author of Film Television and Contemporary Culture. In addition to American literature, her interests include rhetoric and composition, cultural studies and feminist theory.

Edition details

• Publisher: Routledge
• Publication date: 2005
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0415975255
• ISBN 13: 9780415975254
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 182