Edith Wharton's Social Register

Exploring the intersection of anthropology, sociology, and evolutionary theory, the book delves into Edith Wharton's portrayal of belonging and exile within her social fictions. It examines her response to the cultural threats posed by the Great War, focusing on themes of tribal inclusion, banishment, and the impact of wealth on societal boundaries. Claire Preston argues for Wharton's place in the early Modernist canon, highlighting how her experiences as an expatriate influenced her work and challenged traditional notions of realism.