Edith Wharton's Social Register

Exploring themes of belonging and exile, the book delves into Edith Wharton's engagement with contemporary anthropology, sociology, and evolutionary theory. It highlights her intellectual framework as she navigates the cultural tensions of her time, particularly during the Great War. Claire Preston examines concepts of tribal inclusion, the influence of wealth on societal boundaries, and the notion of expatriatism in Wharton's work. The analysis argues for Wharton's place in the early Modernist canon, challenging traditional views of her as solely a realist writer.