Edith Wharton: The Sense of Harmony

An illuminating portrait of American author Edith Wharton (1862-1937), filmmaker Elizabeth Lennard's documentary skillfully integrates the many facets and passions of Wharton's life—as a writer, designer, philanthropist, traveler, and keen observer of social order and class. Featuring interviews with those who knew her, as well as scholars offering interesting insights about her life and career, The Sense of Harmony begins with a look at Wharton's first published book, The Decoration of Houses (1897), a seminal work about architecture and interior design that established Wharton as a major voice in the field of custom living. From there, the documentary explores her career in fiction, including the publication of such classics as The House of Mirth (1905), Ethan Frome (1911), and The Age of Innocence (1920). Wharton's life in New York City and extensive years living as an expatriate in Europe are also examined, as is her troubled marriage (ending in divorce) to Edward Wharton and subsequent relationships with other men. The film also discusses Wharton's friendships with Henry James, Theodore Roosevelt, Jean Cocteau, and other bright lights of the era, as well as her energetic charity efforts during World War I and her journalistic coverage of the war from the frontlines in France. A fascinating portrait of a gifted and—at times—even heroic writer who was the first woman to win the Pulitzer Prize for fiction (for The Age of Innocence), this is highly recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (T. Keogh)