Wharton, Edith. American novelist. Born at New York in 1862. Received her education at home, and in 1885 married Edward Wharton of Boston. Her first novel, "The Greater Inclination," 1899, was followed by many works of fiction, noted for searching character analysis and finished style. Among the best known are: "The Valley of Decision," "The Descent of Man," "The House of Mirth," "The Hermit and the Wild Woman," "Sanctuary," "The Touchstone," "The Custom of the Country," "The Reef," "Xingu," and "The Fruit of the Tree." While engaged in relief work during the First World War, she wrote "Fighting France," and was made a chevalier of the legion of honor.

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