Call Number:

Ms. Coll. 121

Repository:

University of Pennsylvania: Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts

Extent:

0.2 linear feet (1 box)

Language:

English

Preferred Citation:

Edith Wharton and Clyde Fitch typescript of "The House of Mirth: A Play in Four Acts," circa 1906, undated, Ms. Coll. 121, Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts, University of Pennsylvania

Date:

circa 1906, undated (inclusive)

Creator:

Fitch, Clyde and Wharton, Edith

Form:

Typescripts and Plays (performing arts compositions)

Abstract:

Edith Wharton (1862-1937) was an American novelist, best known for works that provided insightful representation of New York high society. In 1905, her novel, The House of Mirth, was published; and shortly thereafter, she worked with dramatist, Clyde Fitch (1865-1909), to develop a play adapted from the novel. The collection consists in the complete typescript of the play The House of Mirth, as well a photocopy made at a later date.

Edith Wharton (1962-1937), was a prominent American author. She published The House of Mirth in 1905, Ethan Frome in 1911, The Custom of the Country in 1913, and The Age of Innocence in 1920, which was awarded the Pulitzer Prize. She also authored short stories (some of which have been judged among the best American short stories of the twentieth century), poetry, and nonfiction works.

The success of Wharton's novel The House of Mirth, published in 1905, led literary agent Elizabeth Marbury (1856-1933) to suggest to Wharton that the book be adapted as a theatrical work, with the collaboration of Clyde Fitch (1865-1909), a famous dramatist of the time, who also was one of Marbury's clients. Wharton and Fitch co-wrote the play during the summer of 1906; and on September 14 of that year, it premiered at the Detroit Opera House. The play The House of Mirth was never published during Wharton's lifetime. A critical edition of the play, edited by Glenn Loney, was published in 1981 (East Brunwick, NJ: Associated University Presses). The edition is based upon the complete typescript held by the University of Pennsylvania, and on the four preliminary drafts of the play found at New York Public Library (Lincoln Center Library, Billy Rose Collection).

This collection consists of a complete typescript of the play The House of Mirth, co-written by Edith Wharton and Clyde Fitch. According to Glenn Loney, who edited the critical edition of the play in 1981, the typescript is probably the only copy of the final version of the drama, as it incorporates the additions and revisions which were added to the working versions of the play found at the New York Public Library. A photocopy of the whole typescript is also included in the collection.

The typescript will provide insight on the collaboration between two celebrated authors of their time. Researchers interested in Fitch's work as a dramatist are recommended to consult the Clyde Fitch typescripts and letters, circa 1890-1925, (Ms. Coll. 1332), which includes ten unpublished plays, many of which were written during the same time frame as this adaptation of The House of Mirth.