Edith Wharton: A Life of Stories, Gardens, and Elegance

Edith Wharton was many things: a novelist, a designer, an aesthete, and—arguably—a bit of a rebel. Born in 1862 to a well-heeled New York family, Wharton was expected to conform to the rigid social mores of her time. Instead, she wrote them into novels, dissecting the hypocrisies and absurdities of the Gilded Age with razor-sharp wit. Her most famous works, including The Age of Innocence and The House of Mirth, have become defining texts for anyone curious about the era’s intricate (and often stifling) social hierarchies.

But Wharton’s creative spirit extended far beyond the written word. Her love of architecture and design was a lifelong passion, one she expressed not only through her own homes but also in her nonfiction works. Italian Villas and Their Gardens is a prime example: a blend of cultural history, personal observation, and a deep appreciation for the art of garden design. Wharton saw gardens not just as pretty spaces but as extensions of the human spirit—a way to shape the natural world into something inspiring, orderly, and sublime.

This duality—of novelist and designer—makes Wharton a fascinating figure. Her work reminds us that storytelling takes many forms, whether through words on a page or the curves of a landscaped path. And while she’s often remembered for her biting critique of societal norms, it’s her ability to uncover beauty in unexpected places that truly defines her legacy.

“If only we'd stop trying to be happy, we could have a pretty good time.”
- Edith Wharton

For modern admirers, Wharton’s life and work feel surprisingly relevant. In a world obsessed with speed and novelty, her thoughtful, deliberate approach to both art and living serves as a refreshing counterpoint. Whether you’re paging through her novels or exploring her observations on Italian gardens, you’re bound to find a voice that’s equal parts elegant, insightful, and deeply human.

To explore more of Wharton’s vision of elegance, visit our Italian Villas and Their Gardens collection featuring stunning prints inspired by her iconic work.

So here’s to Edith Wharton: a woman who refused to be boxed in, who saw beauty everywhere, and who left behind a legacy as lush and layered as the gardens she loved.