Ethan Frome by Edith Wharton - First Edition, 1911
Don't pass up this rare and valuable first edition of Edith Wharton's "Ethan Frome." This copy does not include the dust jacket and is in acceptable condition. The front and rear hinges are cracked, and some of the pages are soiled. There are also two previous owners' names written in the front of the book. This copy exhibits the usual shelf ware for a book of this age, but overall, this is a lovely copy of this book.
"Ethan Frome" is set in the bleak, rural Massachusetts town of Starkfield. The story follows the life of Ethan Frome, a reserved and impoverished farmer, who struggles with the crushing weight of his circumstances. He is trapped in a loveless marriage to his ill-tempered wife, Zeena, who is often bedridden and embodies a sense of discontent.
Ethan's life takes a turn when his young cousin, Mattie Silver, comes to live with them to assist Zeena. Unlike her, Mattie brings vitality and warmth to Ethan’s bleak existence, and their relationship blossoms into a deep, yet forbidden, love. As their affection grows, Ethan oscillates between duty and desire, torn by his obligation to Zeena and his yearning for a life filled with passion and hope.
The story reaches a tragic climax as Ethan and Mattie, consumed by desperation and the impossibility of their situation, attempt to escape their reality through a fateful act. Wharton expertly illustrates themes of sacrifice, isolation, and the paralyzing effects of social expectations. The novella concludes with a heart-wrenching look at the consequences of their choices, ultimately highlighting the enduring impact of regret and unfulfilled dreams in a harsh and unforgiving environment.
Don't pass up this rare and valuable first edition of Edith Wharton's "Ethan Frome." This copy does not include the dust jacket and is in acceptable condition. The front and rear hinges are cracked, and some of the pages are soiled. There are also two previous owners' names written in the front of the book. This copy exhibits the usual shelf ware for a book of this age, but overall, this is a lovely copy of this book.
"Ethan Frome" is set in the bleak, rural Massachusetts town of Starkfield. The story follows the life of Ethan Frome, a reserved and impoverished farmer, who struggles with the crushing weight of his circumstances. He is trapped in a loveless marriage to his ill-tempered wife, Zeena, who is often bedridden and embodies a sense of discontent.
Ethan's life takes a turn when his young cousin, Mattie Silver, comes to live with them to assist Zeena. Unlike her, Mattie brings vitality and warmth to Ethan’s bleak existence, and their relationship blossoms into a deep, yet forbidden, love. As their affection grows, Ethan oscillates between duty and desire, torn by his obligation to Zeena and his yearning for a life filled with passion and hope.
The story reaches a tragic climax as Ethan and Mattie, consumed by desperation and the impossibility of their situation, attempt to escape their reality through a fateful act. Wharton expertly illustrates themes of sacrifice, isolation, and the paralyzing effects of social expectations. The novella concludes with a heart-wrenching look at the consequences of their choices, ultimately highlighting the enduring impact of regret and unfulfilled dreams in a harsh and unforgiving environment.
Don't pass up this rare and valuable first edition of Edith Wharton's "Ethan Frome." This copy does not include the dust jacket and is in acceptable condition. The front and rear hinges are cracked, and some of the pages are soiled. There are also two previous owners' names written in the front of the book. This copy exhibits the usual shelf ware for a book of this age, but overall, this is a lovely copy of this book.
"Ethan Frome" is set in the bleak, rural Massachusetts town of Starkfield. The story follows the life of Ethan Frome, a reserved and impoverished farmer, who struggles with the crushing weight of his circumstances. He is trapped in a loveless marriage to his ill-tempered wife, Zeena, who is often bedridden and embodies a sense of discontent.
Ethan's life takes a turn when his young cousin, Mattie Silver, comes to live with them to assist Zeena. Unlike her, Mattie brings vitality and warmth to Ethan’s bleak existence, and their relationship blossoms into a deep, yet forbidden, love. As their affection grows, Ethan oscillates between duty and desire, torn by his obligation to Zeena and his yearning for a life filled with passion and hope.
The story reaches a tragic climax as Ethan and Mattie, consumed by desperation and the impossibility of their situation, attempt to escape their reality through a fateful act. Wharton expertly illustrates themes of sacrifice, isolation, and the paralyzing effects of social expectations. The novella concludes with a heart-wrenching look at the consequences of their choices, ultimately highlighting the enduring impact of regret and unfulfilled dreams in a harsh and unforgiving environment.