The House of Mirth is the novel that first established the literary reputation of Pulitzer Prize-winner Edith Wharton. In it, she honed her devastating acerbic style, created one of her most memorable heroines in Lily Bart, and discovered her defining theme: the vulgarity, greed, human frailty, and false social values that form the true foundation of New York society.

Newland Archer, an eligible young man of the establishment, is about to announce his engagement, when Countess Olenska is introduced into the circle. A passionate bond develops between the two. But Archer's life has no place for passion, and he finds himself drawn into a bitter conflict between love and duty.