Considered by many to be her masterpiece Edith Wharton's epic work is a scathing yet personal examination of the exploits and follies of the modern upper class. As she unfolds the story of Undine Spragg from New York to Europe Wharton affords us a detailed glimpse of what might be called the interior décor of this America and its nouveau riche fringes. Through a heroine who is as vain spoiled and selfish as she is irresistibly fascinating and through a most intricate and satisfying plot that follows Undine's marriages and affairs she conveys a vision of social behavior that is both supremely informed and supremely disenchanted. 
Anita Brookner