Classics · Literary
The House of Mirth
Lily Bart, a beautiful woman in New York high society around 1900, needs a wealthy husband to keep her place. Her own scruples and the gossip of others steadily undo her chances.
Facts last checked 2026-10-17
- First published
- 1905
- Pace
- Slow
- Length
- Short
- Pages
- 286
- Format
- Standalone
Read this if you like sharp novels of manners that criticise social class and the limits placed on women.
Skip this if you want an uplifting story or a heroine who gets a fair break.
The feel
Content warnings
Quick answers about The House of Mirth
- What is The House of Mirth about?
- Lily Bart, a beautiful woman in New York high society around 1900, needs a wealthy husband to keep her place. Her own scruples and the gossip of others steadily undo her chances.
- Who should read The House of Mirth?
- Read it if you like sharp novels of manners that criticise social class and the limits placed on women. Skip it if you want an uplifting story or a heroine who gets a fair break.
- How long and how fast is The House of Mirth?
- It is a slow-paced, short read of about 286 pages, first published in 1905.
- Does The House of Mirth have content warnings?
- Content we flag: Death, Addiction.
- Can I borrow The House of Mirth for free?
- Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends The House of Mirth; the borrow button above searches it for you.
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Where to get it
| Store | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Borrow free | ||
| Libby / OverDrive | Free with a library card | Borrow free with Libby from Libby / OverDrive |
| Print, new | ||
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| Ebook | ||
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| Audiobook | ||
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