Lost Edith Wharton Short Story Published After Over a Century
Unseen Edith Wharton short story is published more than a century later

Image: Theguardian
A previously unpublished short story by Edith Wharton, titled *The Men Who Saved the World*, has been released in the Strand magazine. Written around July 1918, it explores themes of privilege and denial amidst the backdrop of World War I, featuring a young American nurse who grapples with the horrors of war while the wealthy attempt to return to normalcy.
- 01The short story was discovered in the Edith Wharton Collection at Yale University and is believed to have been written no earlier than July 1918.
- 02Set in a French chateau during World War I, the narrative contrasts the opulence of a dinner party with the ongoing war just miles away.
- 03The main character, Milly Arden, is a young American nurse reflecting Wharton's own experiences with field hospitals during the war.
- 04Andrew Gulli, editor-in-chief of the Strand, noted the story's relevance to current global events, highlighting themes of privilege and denial.
- 05The story was analyzed by Isabelle Parsons for the Edith Wharton Review in 2023, marking a significant addition to Wharton's literary legacy.
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A newly published short story by Edith Wharton, titled *The Men Who Saved the World*, has made its debut in the Strand magazine, marking a significant literary find. This story, believed to have been written around July 1918, was uncovered in the Edith Wharton Collection at Yale University. It is set in a French chateau during the final stages of World War I, depicting the lives of the wealthy as they attempt to return to their privileged lifestyles despite the ongoing horrors of war nearby. The narrative centers on Milly Arden, a young American nurse who struggles with the trauma of her wartime experiences while observing the stark contrasts of the chateau's opulence and the recent history of suffering it harbored. Andrew Gulli, the editor-in-chief of the Strand, emphasized the story's contemporary relevance, drawing parallels between Wharton's themes and current global issues. The story has been previously analyzed by Wharton scholar Isabelle Parsons, who noted its satirical take on the efforts of privileged women during wartime. This publication adds to Wharton's rich legacy and is expected to resonate with both new and longtime readers.
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