The Fruit of the Tree
Hard Cover. New York: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1907. First Edition. Fine.
First edition. Publisher's red cloth with gilt titles (binding B, no priority). Book with just a touch of rubbing to spine ends, top edge a bit dusty, else fine. A stunning copy with bright gilt. Garrison A14.I.a.I. Edith Wharton's tremendous writing skills are on full display in this novel, as she weaves stunning psychological narratives into her skillful social portraiture. The Fruit of the Tree tells the story of John Amherst, the owner of a textile mill in New England, and his wife Bessy. Moral dilemmas abound, as John aims to better the labor conditions for his workers, and likewise care for his wife and young daughter. The most memorable plot twist concerns Justine Brent, a volunteer nurse at the local hospital who begins work as a live-in tutor with the Amhersts. The Fruit of the Tree is Wharton's third novel, and was likely completed while she lived at The Mount, her estate in Lenox, Massachusetts which she designed herself.
Item #EW078b
Price: $450.00
