On (Working with) Edith Wharton’s Letters

Abstract In this roundtable, four scholars reflect on their work with Edith Wharton’s correspondence. The letters addressed range from Wharton’s childhood musings to business negotiations, invitation, love letters, and condolences. Taking turns answering each other’s questions, the contributors offer insights into their scholarly approaches to Wharton’s private writing, trace their steps in editing letters for publication, and put the letters into conversation with the “public” image of Wharton.