The Touchstone

Name: The Touchstone
Author: Edith Wharton

By Edith Wharton

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American Literature Novels

About This Book

A struggling literary man, Glennard, comes into possession of intimate letters by the celebrated novelist Margaret Aubyn and arranges their publication to secure money and social standing. The success of the volumes brings outward rewards but awakens persistent moral unease, undermining his domestic contentment and forcing him to confront questions about privacy, authorship, and self-deception. The narrative traces the consequences of commodifying private feeling, examining ambition, conscience, and the tension between public reputation and private truth.

About the Author

Edith Wharton

Edith Wharton (1862-1937) was an American novelist, short story writer, and designer, known for her keen observations of the American upper class and her exploration of social mores. Her most celebrated work, "The Age of Innocence," won the Pulitzer Prize in 1921 and reflects her critical perspective on the constraints of society. Wharton's literary contributions extend to various genres, including novels, poetry, and travel writing, with notable titles such as "Ethan Frome" and "A Motor-Flight Through France." Throughout her career, she adeptly navigated themes of love, betrayal, and the complexities of human relationships, establishing her as a significant figure in American literature.