1927. Wharton, American author, is best known for her stories and ironic novels about upper class people. Wharton's central subjects were the conflict between social and individual fulfillment, repressed sexuality, and the manners of old families and the nouveau riche, who had made their fortunes in more recent years. Among her numerous novels, short stories, and travel writings are The House of Mirth, Ethan Frome, and the Pulitzer prize-winning Age of Innocence. The Twilight Sleep deals with the postwar, Jazz Age frenzy of a middle-aged American clubwoman and do-gooder, Pauline Manford. The story is understood through the eyes of Pauline who schedules an almost supernatural round of meetings, social engagements, and self-improvement sessions completely distracting her from the collapse of her family. See other titles by this author available from Kessinger Publishing.